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HISTORY OF 
INDIANA 



BY 

OSCAR H. WILLIAMS 

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION 
INDIANA UNIVERSITY 



D. C. HEATH & CO., PUBLISHERS 

BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO 



HISTORY OF INDIANA 

By Oscar H. Williams 

Assistant Professor of Education, Indiana University 

CHAPTER I 
THE FIRST OCCUPANTS 

Indiana Two Centuries Ago. — More than two centuries 
have passed since European white men first set foot on the 
soil of what is now Indiana. The country was then a vast 
wilderness. It was almost wholly covered with tangled forests, 
threaded by noble rivers, and inhabited by a varied wild life 
and by bands of roving savages. In the north and west, open 
prairies, with rich and copious grasses, added beauty to the 
landscape. In the north clear calm lakes, with beautifully 
wooded shores and sweet pure water, basked in the sunshine. 
Surely here was nature's garden spot. In the lowlands of 
the valleys near the streams were immense swamps. They 
made the country almost impassable at certain seasons. 

What changes have two centuries wrought! How very 
different is the land we know as Indiana to-day! The forests 
are gone, the swamps are drained, the wild creatures have 
fled or linger only in remote places. Where once the deer 
grazed are now well-tilled farms. • W T here the buffalo marched 
in stately droves to salt-lick and spring are now lines of steel 
coursed by thundering trains. Where the woodlands were 
thickest are now thriving towns and cities. What magic has 
wrought this marvelous change? 

Copyright, 1916, by D. C. Heath & Co. 



2 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

We are to follow the story of Indiana's making through 
two centuries of progress. But first let us consider the factors 
which helped in the making of a great State. One of the most 
important of these is its position with regard to the country 
as a whole. 

Indiana on the Nation's Highway. — Indiana lies at the 
crossroads of the nation. The summit plain which lies across 
the Mississippi-St. Lawrence watershed covers the northern 
portion of the State. This furnished an easy grade for the lines 
of traffic from east to west. The Lincoln Highway is a new 
and recent use of this great natural thoroughfare. In like 
manner the gentle southerly slope of the Wabash basin makes 
north and south communication easy and direct. The Dixie 
Highway is the latest witness of this line of transit. To-day, 
no less than nineteen east and west trunk lines and seven 
north and south systems of railway traverse the State. Thus 
Indiana lies on the main highway of commerce and travel 
between the East and the West, as well as the North and the 
South. Moreover, two great inland waterways lie along the 
two ends of the State and supplement the overland lines of 
traffic. This fact of strategic location, as we shall see, has had 
an important bearing upon the history of the State. 

Natural Resources of the State. — A second factor in the 
making of the Indiana of to-day is the presence of rich stores 
of natural resources. The first to be used was the timber. 
To the early settlers an obstacle to be removed by destructive 
methods, the timber has nevertheless been a useful asset to 
the people of the State. Indiana's woodlands form the western 
margin of the North American forest, — all beyond is prairie, 
with only an occasional clump of trees. The trees are mostly 
of the hardwood variety. They include the black walnut, 
red and white oak, three or four kinds of ash, two of maple, 
besides beech, hickory, and elm. At first yellow poplar 
abounded, though it is now nearly exhausted. The quality 



APR26I9I©CU428698 . 

'Ho j. Air 



THE FIRST OCCUPANTS 3 

and variety of timber and the closeness to the market in the 
prairie regions of the West help to explain Indiana's leadership 
in the making of furniture and agricultural implements. 

Another resource is the natural fuels. Indiana, though not 
a mountain region, is uncommonly rich in stores of coal, 
natural gas, and petroleum. Coal measures at varying depths 
underlie seven thousand square miles of surface, or nearly 
one-fifth of the State. Indiana coal is of two varieties, block 
and bituminous. Both are of excellent quality for steam and 
household uses. Natural gas has been found in a field com- 
prising twenty-five hundred square miles, and petroleum in 
an area half as great. Both are factors in Indiana's industrial 
greatness. 

Another resource of prime importance is the productive 
soil. About four-fifths of the State lies in the glacial drift 
region. It was here that many centuries ago a great ice- 
sheet pounded up the rocks and spread the soil broadly over 
the surface. This is known as the drift. It covers the surface 
to a depth of from ten to two hundred feet. It is composed 
of mineral elements necessary to plant growth. The remain- 
ing fifth of the State is less fortunate in its soil, although the 
bottom lands of the streams are covered with rich silt washed 
down in the flood seasons. 

Mention should be made also of the building stone and clay, 
in which the State abounds. These have had a large place in 
the growth of the State, as will be noted later. 

Early Indian Migrations. — The original occupants of 
Indiana were the red children of the forest. They belonged 
chiefly to the Algonquin stock of Indians. They were not 
fixed in their habitation, nor had they long been occupants 
of the western country. The Indians known to the first white 
comers had only recently migrated to the valley of the Ohio. 
Their ancestors had for the most part lived on the eastern 
slopes of the Alleghanies. Why had they migrated westward? 



4 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

Two answers help to explain, — the hostility of the warlike 
Iroquois, and the westward "push" of the English colonists. 

The Indian Homes and Hunting Grounds. — The country 
immediately south of the Ohio River was not occupied by 
Indians. This region was an Indian hunting preserve, held 
as neutral ground by the tribes to the northward, eastward, 
and southward. But the valleys of the Wabash and its 
branches, and the valleys of the Maumee and the Big St. 
Joseph held a numerous Indian population. How many 
Indian braves lived on the banks of the Wabash none can 
say. But they formed an impassable barrier to western 
settlement. 

Indian Tribal Groups. — There were several tribal groups 
or "nations" of Indians. There was no real bond of union 
among the tribes; on the contrary, petty quarrels and con- 
stant strife prevented united action. Near the close of the 
eighteenth century the Indians became a serious menace to 
the white settlers on both sides of the Ohio River. At this 
time the Delawares occupied the eastern portion of Indiana. 
They were a fugitive people, their fathers having formerly 
lived on the eastern side of the Alleghanies, along the Sus- 
quehanna, around the Chesapeake, and along the rivers and 
bays of Virginia. About 1760, they settled on the Muskingum 
River in Ohio. From here they were forced farther westward 
after the Treaty of Greenville in 1795. 

The Shawnees lived near and along the Ohio. Having 
originally come from the south, they settled at first along the 
Scioto, later on the Great Miami River, in Ohio. Thence, 
under their famous chieftains, Tecumseh and the Prophet, 
they migrated to Indiana after 1795. 

The Wyandots were the descendants of the Hurons, who 
had at one time lived north of the lower Great Lakes. Very 
early, the Huron nation had been fiercely attacked by the 
Iroquois and destroyed. A remnant known as the W r yandots 



THE FIRST OCCUPANTS 




came to live on the Sandusky in Ohio. Here they became 
civilized, dwelt in substantial log houses, carried on agri- 
culture, and lived settled lives. One tribe of Wyandots was 
later found in Southern Indiana, between the lower Wabash 
and the Ohio. 

The Miami Confederacy. — Strongest and most warlike of 
the Indian nations was the group 
known as the Miamis. It was 
composed of four main branches: 
The Twightwees, around the union 
of the St. Mary and the St. Joseph 
Rivers; the Eel River Miamis; 
the Weas along the middle course 
of the Wabash; and the Pianke- 
shaws on the lower Wabash. Other 
tribes looked up to this powerful 
confederacy. The first named 
branch — the Twightwees — were 
considered the head of the confederacy; to these all others 
yielded in matters of peace and war. The Miami nation had 
carried on a long warfare with the distant Iroquois. 

Acting closely with the Miamis were the Kickapoos, who 
once lived in the far north but had been driven southward by 
the Sioux. They now dwelt west of the Wabash and south of 
the Kankakee. The Pottawatomies lived in the extreme 
north and northwest and were on good terms with the Miamis. 

We should become acquainted with these early occupants 
of Indiana. We should know the name, the location, and the 
importance of each tribal group. Let us also learn something 
of how they lived. 

Indian Life and Customs. — Let us select the tribe farthest 
removed from the influence of the English settlers — the 
Pottawatomies — and ask an Indian agent who lived among 
them to tell us how they lived. "The men are well clothed, " 



Tecumseii 



6 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

he says. " Their entire occupation is hunting and dress. They 
make use of a great deal of vermilion. In winter they wear 
buffalo robes richly painted and in summer red or blue cloth 
[purchased from traders]. The women do all the work. 
They cultivate Indian corn, beans, squashes, and melons. 
These all come up very fine. 

"The women and girls dance at night. They adorn them- 
selves, — grease their hair, paint their faces, put on white 
chemises, and wear their belts of wampum. They are very 
tidy in their way. The old men often dance the 'medicine.' 
While thus engaged, they resemble a set of demons. The 
young men sometimes dance in a circle and strike posts. 
While doing this they recount their achievements in war. 

"When the Indians go hunting — as they do every autumn 
■ — they carry their apaquois [a plaited reed mat] to hut 
under at night. Everyone follows, — men, women, and chil- 
dren. They spend the winter in the forest on the chase and 
return to their homes in the spring." 

Thus we see the Indians were true children of nature. Their 
lives were often free and wholesome in spite of hardship and 
privation. 

Indian Education. — Indian youth were trained to endure 
the hardships of war and the chase. Both boys and girls were 
taught the difficult art of self-control. They were required 
to bathe every day in cold water, and at frequent intervals 
to fast for a whole day. When fasting, the child's face was 
blacked, — if a boy, all over; if a girl, the cheeks only. At 
eighteen the boy's education was completed; his face was 
blackened for the last time; he was taken a mile from the 
village and a small hut built of bushes or reeds. Here he was 
left alone for five or six days, perhaps eight, without food. 
Then he was taken home, washed all over, and his head 
shaved so as to leave the "scalp-lock." Finally, he was given 
a box of vermilion and accepted into the tribe as a full-grown 



THE FIRST OCCUPANTS 7 

warrior. Thus we see there were many excellent features in 
Indian life and character. But we must turn aside from 
the red children of the forest to consider the first white 
occupants of this region. 

French Traders and Missionaries. — The first white men 
who came to what is now Indiana were Frenchmen. They 
came in the service of their God and king. The Jesuits, or 
members of the Society of Jesus, at this time planned to found 
a nation of Christian Indians around the Great Lakes. They 
began with the Hurons who lived north of Lakes Erie and 
Ontario. As we have already noted, just before 1650, the 
Huron nation was fiercely attacked by the warlike Iroquois 
and destroyed. 

After this, for a century, fur-traders went hand in hand 
with the missionaries. They established posts all over the 
western country and used them as centers from which to visit 
the neighboring tribes. Hither came the priests to carry the 
Gospel to the Indians. 

LaSalle, the Pioneer Trader in Indiana. — The real pioneer 
of France in Indiana was LaSalle. He was born of a wealthy 
burgher family in Rouen, the ancient capital of Normandy, 
educated by the Jesuits, and came to the New World in 
search of fame and fortune. He was given a large tract of 
land on the St. Lawrence, nine miles above Montreal; here 
he learned of a beautiful river to the west and burned with 
a zeal to find it, — a possible way to the South Sea. An 
account of how he set out and of what he did is given on 
pages 34-36 of Bourne and Benton's History of the United 
States. 

LaSalle at the Kankakee Portage. — When LaSalle reached 
the mouth of the St. Joseph River he built a fort there. He 
then set out with his faithful companions expecting to paddle 
in canoes by the rivers to the Illinois country. Up the beauti- 
ful St. Joseph they went in the month of December, 1679, 



8 



HISTORY OF INDIANA 




Starved Rock" on the Illinois River 



hoping to find the portage 1 place between the St. Joseph 
and the Kankakee. They arrived at the south bend of the 
river, near where the city of South Bend now stands. Here 
they had been told was the portage path. 

Treaty with 'the Miamis. — LaSalle and his party passed 
down the Illinois River and on a high rock — which they 

named "Starved 
Rock"— they built 
a town. Here they 
hoped to build up an 
Indian stronghold in 
the western country. 
They sent back a load 
of furs, but their party 
proved unfaithful and 
sold the furs. Two 
years later LaSalle re- 
turned to the Kankakee portage; here he made a treaty with 
the Miami Indians. With many gifts he induced the Indians 
to go with him to the town he had founded on the Illinois. 

French Settlements in Indiana. — It was a generation later 
that the French established settlements in Indiana. Already 
important posts were founded in the Illinois country, at 
Cahokia and Kaskaskia, on the Mississippi River. The first 
post in Indiana was at Vincennes, but the exact date of its 
founding is unknown; perhaps it was as early as 1731. 
Another was established at Ouiatanon, near where the city 
of Lafayette now stands. A third post was at Kekionga, at 
the junction of the Rivers St. Joseph and St. Mary, near the 
site of Fort Wayne. 

Thus we see that LaSalle and his followers gave to the 
world its first knowledge of the Indiana we know. The 

1 A portage is the land or route over which boats, goods, etc., are carried 
overland between navigable waters. 



THE FIRST OCCUPANTS 9 

missionary and the trader sought out the wilds of the western 
country and aided in the work of advancing civilization. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Contrast the Indiana we know with that of two centuries ago. Write 
a list of five different kinds of changes in the country. 

2. Explain the factors which have helped to make Indiana a great State. 
Make a list of the natural resources. In what ways is each kind of resource 
useful? Make a list of native trees and tell for what each is useful. 

3. On a map of the State, point out the lake region; the prairie district; 
the wooded area. Describe the drainage system. Name the principal tribu- 
taries of the Wabash River. 

4. Locate on the map each of the Indian tribes which lived in what is now 
Indiana. Name the tribes of the Miami Confederacy and locate the principal 
town of each tribe. 

5. From the map make a list of the rivers and lakes bearing Indian names. 
Find other Indian names on the map, e.g., Kokomo, Monon. 

6. Make a list of counties or cities having French names, e.g., Dubois, 
Terre Haute. 

7. What is the meaning of the name "Indiana"? 

8. Trace the route followed by LaSalle across Indiana in 1769. 




French Settlements in the Illinois 
Country 



CHAPTER II 
THE TWO CONQUESTS 

The French and English as Rivals. — The French were 
not to be left in undisputed control of the country between 
the Alleghanies and the Mississippi River. The English 
colonists also laid claim to this rich domain. The French, as 
we have seen, held the country by right of exploration and 
occupancy. Before 1750, they had established forts and 
trading-posts at important points along the Great Lakes, 
on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, and in the Wabash 
country. The English claim rested upon three things, — the 
royal grants of the early charters, cessions made by treaties 
with the Iroquois, and a clause in the Treaty of Utrecht. 
That treaty, signed in 17 13, acknowledged the right of the 
English to trade with the Indians. Upon the right of trading 
with the Indians of the northwest, the contest turned. 

English Traders in the Northwest. — The Shawnee In- 
dians in the Ohio country had never been very friendly 
toward the French, but they had long been on good terms 
with the English traders. They were, moreover, close friends 
of the Miamis, the leading Indians of the Wabash Valley. 
Through their friendly relations with the Shawnees, the Eng- 
lish traders hoped to win the favor of the Miamis and other 
Indian tribes of the northwest, and thus secure for themselves 
the valuable trade in furs. Their agents slyly worked into 
the confidence of the Indians. They paid liberally for the 
furs. They even advanced blankets and whiskey to the 
Indians before the season's furs were ready to be delivered. 

These English traders were typical backwoods adventurers, 



THE TWO CONQUESTS 



ii 



— bold, cunning, skilled in woodcraft, and possessed of a 
thorough knowledge of Indian character. In time they found 
themselves in control of much of the Indian trade of the Ohio 
country. Their rivals at Detroit and Kaskaskia became 
highly incensed at their success. Before 1750, they held the 
most important part of the Indian trade. 

Two Journeys into the Ohio Country. — To strengthen 
the waning hold of the French, the governor of Canada sent 
Captain Bienville de Celeron down 
the Ohio in the summer of 1749. 
Up the St. Lawrence, across Lake 
Ontario, along the shores of Lake 
Erie, Celeron's party of two hun- 
dred soldiers and boatmen lightly 
skimmed in their birch-bark ca- 
noes. Crossing the country from 
Lake Erie, they launched their 
boats on a beautiful lake, and soon 
found their way into the Allegheny 
and thence down the Ohio. At 
Indian towns on the way, they 
stopped to give pledges of friend- 
ship. At each point where an im- 
portant stream fell into the Ohio, 
the party ^ould pause to bury a 
leaden plate inscribed with a le- 
gend which proclaimed the King 
of France as the rightful ruler of 
all the territory drained by these 
rivers. By this means France formally established her title. 

Slightly more than a year later, Christopher Gist, a shrewd 
and hardy hunter from the back country of North Carolina, 
passed down the Ohio on a similar mission. He came in the 
interest of the Ohio Company, which had lately received 




Lead Plate Buried by the 

French at the Mouth of 

the Muskingum River 



12 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

from the English King an extensive grant of land west of the 
Alleghanies. Gist, with a few companions, sought out the best 
roads to the country, and assured the Indians of the friendship 
and good will of the English. Thus by 1750 the question of 
who was to control the western territory had taken definite 
shape. But it was not settled until after a long war had been 
waged. 

The English Win the Northwest. — At the close of the 
French and Indian War, which followed in due time, the 
French yielded this disputed territory to the English. One by 
one the western posts, were occupied by British soldiers. In 
1765 Fort Chartres, on the Mississippi, the last of the French 
posts to be transferred, was turned over to a British officer. 

Pontiac Wages War on the English, 1784. — Now that 
their rivals were out of the country, the English grew over- 
bearing toward the Indians. The traders, once so obliging, 
began to cheat and rob the red children of the woods. This 
treatment enraged the Indian chieftains. An Ottawa chief 
named Pontiac, one of the greatest of Indian leaders, formed 
a conspiracy, whose object was to capture all of the posts 
and drive the white people out of the country. Detroit was 
besieged; Ouiatanon was destroyed; Fort Miami (later Fort 
Wayne) was burned and its garrison butchered; other posts 
shared a similar fate. Fully three hundred whites were held 
as prisoners among the savages of Ohio and Indiana. Finally, 
Colonel Henry Bouquet, of Pennsylvania, marched to the 
Indian country with a large company of soldiers. On the 
banks of the Muskingum, in Ohio, he summoned the red 
warriors to his camp and, holding their chiefs as hostages, 
commanded them to go at once and bring back all the white 
people whom they were holding as captives. The Indians, 
now thoroughly alarmed, gladly obeyed. 

"A large number of men and women had accompanied 
Colonel Bouquet in the hope of finding their long-lost rela- 



THE TWO CONQUESTS 13 

tives," says Dr. Esarey. "The scene that followed the return 
of the Indians, bringing in 206 prisoners, was one of the most 
tragic ever witnessed on the American frontier. As families 
were reunited, as wife and children were restored to husband 






V,:; '•'-.«% 



Fort Miami (Fort Wayne) in 1795 
After a lithograph in Wallace A. Bruce's History of Fori Wayne. 

and father, as mothers found their babes after years of cap- 
tivity, and as others learned of the torture and death of their 
friends, their grief or joy was crushing." 

This Indian uprising was but the beginning of a bitter hatred 
between the Indians and English settlers and traders in the 
western country. 

George Croghan's Journey up the Wabash. — The Illinois 
country — that part of the newly acquired territory westward 
from the Wabash — was not well known to the English. This 
fact caused the British commander, General Thomas Gage, 
to send a party to that region by way of the Ohio. Colonel 
George Croghan, one of the best Indian agents in the West, 
was chosen to lead the party. He had for a long time lived 
among the Indians and had accompanied Christopher Gist 
on his tour among the tribes in 1750. While passing rapidly 
down the Ohio, in 1765, near the mouth of the Wabash his 
party was attacked by a band of Indians and carried as 
prisoners through the forest to Vincennes. 



i 4 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

"On my arrival," writes Croghan in his Journal, "I found 
a village of about eighty or ninety French families settled on 
the east side of the river, being one of the finest situations 
that can be found. The country is level and clear and the 
soil very rich, producing wheat and tobacco. I think the 
tobacco is better than that in Maryland or Virginia." 

"Post Vincent is a place of great consequence for trade," 
he continues, "being a fine hunting country all along the 
Wabash and too far for the Indians who reside hereabouts to 
go either to the Illinois or elsewhere to fetch their necessaries." 

Croghan and his friends proceeded up the river on horse- 
back to Ouiatanon. As he passed along he did not fail to 
note the beauty and promise of the country. After a con- 
ference with the Indians at Ouiatanon, and being freed by 
his captors, he continued on his journey to Detroit. 

Croghan gave his countrymen their first real glimpse of 
the Wabash country and aroused their interest in its future. 
Several attempts were made by them before the Revolution 
to found settlements in this region, in spite of the proclamation 
of 1763, which set aside the western country "for the use of 
the Indians." 

The West in the Revolution. — Despite the king's procla- 
mation of 1763, forbidding settlements west of the mountains, 
bands of settlers began to make homes for themselves in 
the valleys of the westward-flowing rivers. At the outbreak 
of the Revolution, there were numerous settlements in the 
back country of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. 

The English commanders began at once to use the war- 
loving Indians against the rebellious colonists along the fron- 
tiers. Colonel Henry Hamilton at Detroit was active in 
arousing the Western Indians against the Virginia settlers in 
Kentucky. 

The Indians themselves hesitated to attack the settlers. 
For two years they remained quiet. But in 1777 — the 



THE TWO CONQUESTS 



J 5 



"bloody year" — the break came. Hamilton boasted that 
seventeen bands had been sent by him to ravage the 
frontiers. The Miami Indians on the Wabash took a 
leading part. They fell with pitiless fury upon scattered 
settlements. 

A terror hung over the West. The frontier was in a fever 
of excitement. Forts and block-houses were hastily con- 
structed. Militiamen were summoned to arms. 

George Rogers Clark. — At this point a leader appeared. 
George Rogers Clark, a Virginian 
by birth, was one of the early 
settlers of Harrodsburg, which 
he helped to lay out, and had 
represented the county of Ken- 
tucky in the Virginia legislature. 
He clearly understood the real 
source of danger and thought 
out a plan for relief. The Eng- 
lish posts, including Detroit, 
must be taken and held to pre- 
vent their use as rallying-points 
for Indian war-parties. 

Clark Prepares for the Ex- 
pedition. — It was a bold ven- 
ture, but Clark made sure of 
his ground. In the summer of 
1777, he sent two of his friends 
as spies to the Illinois and the 
Wabash. Disguised as hunters, they visited Kaskaskia 
and Vincennes, and, returning quietly to Harrodsburg, 
reported the places not strongly guarded, the inhabitants 
without suspicion, and not firmly attached to the British. 

Clark now hastened to lay his plan before Governor Patrick 
Henry of Virginia. He was authorized to raise an army of 




Clark Statue 
In Monument Place, Indianapolis. 



1 6 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

350 volunteers and was voted £1200 for expenses and given 
an order on the commanding officer at Pittsburgh for boats 
and supplies. 

The brave Clark now quickly enlisted a few of his old 
Virginia friends and neighbors and sent them in different 
directions to raise companies of volunteers. In May, 1778, a 
little band of hardy Virginia backwoodsmen, all skillful 






Clark's Army going over the Falls of the Ohio 

hunters and marksmen, accompanied by a few settlers and 
their families, dropped down the Ohio to the Falls, near the 
site of Louisville. Here Colonel Clark fortified Corn Island, 
and began to drill his little army. 

Expedition to Kaskaskia. — After a month of drilling, 
Clark for the first time told his men the real object of the 
expedition. They were much surprised, as they believed the 
party was intended for the defense of Kentucky. Most of 
the men cheered loudly when told their commander's purpose, 
but a number from the distant Tennessee country refused to 
go so far from their homes and slipped away during the 
night. 

With the remaining men — about half the number that he 



THE TWO CONQUESTS 17 

had expected to raise — Colonel Clark started for the Illinois. 
He well understood that everything depended on his being 
able to take the British at Kaskaskia by surprise. 

Rowing swiftly down the Ohio to the mouth of the Ten- 
nessee, the little army struck boldly across the country, arriv- 
ing near Kaskaskia on the evening of July 4, 1778. 

Capture of Kaskaskia. — In a wonderfully interesting 
letter which he afterwards wrote to George Mason, as well as 
in his Memoir, Clark re- 
lates the story of his long 
march and capture of the 
post. He tells how he led 
his men to a farmhouse 
on the east side of the 
river, and, finding boats, 
crossed over, reaching the 

outskirts of the town 
1 , , r , ■■ , TT Ruins of Old Kaskaskia 

shortly alter dark. Here ^ . , . , 

J r rom a recent photograph. 

they remained in quiet 

until nearly midnight, when they en tered the fort and seized 

the commander. 

Immediately, Clark's soldiers ran through the town, making 
a great noise and ordering the people to keep off the streets. 
Thus the remarkable capture of the place without bloodshed 
was an accomplished fact. The other places near by on the 
Mississippi quickly fell into Colonel Clark's hands. 

Pierre Gibault and the Capture of Vincennes. — Clark 
won the good will of Father Pierre Gibault, a priest, who had 
great influence with the French inhabitants, by his assur- 
ance that the French would not be molested in any way. He 
showed Gibault a copy of the Treaty of Alliance recently 
made between France and the United States. The latter 
offered to go to Vincennes and explain to the French there 
the kind treatment his people had received and show them 




1 8 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

the Treaty, believing, he said, that he could win them over 
to the American side. 

Accompanied by a few friends, Gibault set out for Vin- 
cennes, and on his arrival, finding the post without a garrison, 
gathered the people together and had them take the oath of 

Ac** -^Cu -jtS Y>fayu^p ucd_£ syzs^f- <a-_^L/^J> 
~tr £U*y &//Hn^ pAyi^w -/^L^ SaL^s' <rj/f^fa/ 





Clark's Letter to Hamilton demanding Surrender 

allegiance to the United States. Soon a garrison of French 
volunteers was formed and the American flag was raised over 
the fort. Clark was made glad by the news of Father Gibault's 
success at Vincennes and sent his best officer, Captain Leonard 
Helm, to take charge of the place. 

The Last Capture of Vincennes. — Word soon came to 
Colonel Henry Hamilton, at Detroit, of Clark's remarkable 



THE TWO CONQUESTS 



i9 



exploits at Kaskaskia and Vincennes. He started at once with 
a considerable force to the latter place and arriving near the 
middle of December easily retook the fort from Captain Helm, 
who made as good a showing as he could with his one small 
cannon and garrison of four men. 

Clark saw the peril of his own position. He must either 
give up his conquests and return to Kentucky or risk capture 
in the spring. One other choice remained. He might gather 
together the remnants of his little army, march boldly across 




The Old Fort at Vincennes 
Built in 1702 and still standing in 1S16. 



the country to Vincennes, and there take the chance of cap- 
turing his enemy, who was now in winter quarters. This 
course he decided to pursue. Picking a small band of French- 
men and Americans, who volunteered to accompany him, and 
dispatching a large boat — the Willing — with supplies and 
small cannon, by the river route to Vincennes, he started on 
the long march of 240 miles in the dead of winter. 

The first part of the journey was easy enough, but, on their 
arrival at the Wabash some eight or ten miles below Vincennes, 
trouble began. The river was at high flood, the bottom lands 
were submerged, and the Willing was nowhere to be found. 
Nothing daunted, the men set willingly to work to make some 
" dugout" canoes, to use in crossing the river. Suddenly 
some friendly French hunters from Vincennes appeared. Their 



20 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

canoes served, along with the " dugouts," to transport the now 
tired men across the river. 

Here their difficulties began to multiply. Vincennes was 
miles distant and there was water on every side. How was the 
band of soldiers to reach the place without boats! It was too 
late to retreat, so with an Indian war-whoop the dauntless 
conqueror plunged into the icy waters and led the way. For 
two days they waded, the water at times up to their chins, 
without a bite to eat, but fortunately finding a dry place 
in which to camp through the cold night. 

Arriving at last at Vincennes, Clark sent word to the people 
to remain in their homes, and shut up the British commander 
in the fort. The French militia quickly came to his side and 
were followed by the Indian warriors. The courage of the 
garrison began to wane and on the second day terms of sur- 
render were arranged. 

Importance of the Conquest. — Thus ended one of the most 
brilliant exploits recorded in history. Its importance may 
be seen from the fact that not only was the whole country 
northwest of the Ohio River held by the Americans throughout 
the war and ceded by the British in the Treaty of Peace, but 
the British plans in the south, whither Hamilton expected to 
march the following year, were completely broken up. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

i. Why were the French and English rivals for the western country? Upon 
what facts did the claims of each rest? Which people had the better claim? 

2. Tell how the English agents managed to control the greater part of the 
fur-trade. Trace the life history of a beaver fur from the Wabash country to 
a European capital. 

3. On an outline map, trace the routes of Bienville de Celeron, Christopher 
Gist, and George Croghan. Of what importance was the journey of each? 

4. In what war did the British win the Northwest? Why did they succeed 
in this war? What other portions of North America did they win from the 
French in the same war? 

5. Why did the Indians become hostile toward the English? Why did the 



THE TWO CONQUESTS 



21 



British incite the Indians against the Americans? How did they aid the 
Indians? 

6. Read Clark's own account of his conquests of the Northwest. Tell his 
story to the class. See Readings in Indiana History, ch. iii. Follow his route 
on a wall map as you tell the story. Of what importance was his conquest 
to the Americans? How was he rewarded by Virginia? How has Indiana 
honored Clark's memory? 

Important Dates 

1749. Celeron journeys into the Ohio Country. 

1750. Christopher Gist journeys down the Ohio. 
1764. Pontiac's war on the English. 

1778-9. George Rogers Clark conquers the Northwest for Virginia. 




^^^^^^f £ \ 



Corn Island — Falls of the Ohio 



CHAPTER III 
FROM TERRITORY TO COMMONWEALTH 

The British Retain the Western Posts. — By the Treaty 
of Peace, in 1783, the British gave up the western country, 
accepting the Great Lakes and the Mississippi as the Ameri- 
can boundary on the north and west. But for twelve years 
they continued to hold the posts on the American side of the 
Great Lakes. They persistently refused to yield these places. 
"Your people have not lived up to the treaty," they said, 
"and we shall retain the posts as a pledge of its fulfillment." 
But their real purpose was to hold for themselves the rich 
fur-trade of the region. To add terror to injury, the English 
traders and officers aroused the Indians against American 
settlers west of the mountains. 

Fixing an Indian Boundary. — Settlers poured over the 
mountains, seeking homes in the new lands of the West. Many 
pushing across the Ohio River became "squatters" on the 
Indian lands. This they were forbidden to do, but who was 
to keep them off? The Indians grew restless. The Great 
River, they said, is a border line over which no white settlor 
may pass. 

In 1784 at Fort Stanwix, in New York, commissioners of 
Congress made a treaty with the Six Nations — the Iroquois 
— and agreed upon the Ohio River as the Indian boundary. 
This was a proper line and was all the Indians desired. But 
Congress needed the Indian lands, — to sell to settlers for 
money to pay the debts and the expenses of government. So 
strong efforts were made to push back the Indian boundary. 



FROM TERRITORY TO COMMONWEALTH 



2 3 



In 1785, some Ohio tribes agreed to accept the line along the 
Cuyahoga and the Big Miami; other tribes remained away 
when the treaty was made and refused to accept this line. 

The Indians Begin the War. — The Indians were now 
thoroughly aroused. They must act, and act promptly, or 
they were certain to lose the best of their homes and hunt- 
ing lands. In August, 1785, a grand council of the tribes was 
held at Ouiatanon. War on the invading settlers was agreed 
upon. The Indians at once began to make forays on the 
scattered settlements, near Vincennes, on Clark's Grant, and 
along the Ohio. 

Clark on the Wabash. — The whole border was alarmed. 
The war was likely to be carried to the Kentucky settlements, 
as so often during the Revolution. 
Clark was called from his home at 
the Falls and placed at the head 
of the Kentucky militia. He 
promptly marched to Vincennes and 
up the Wabash as far as the Kicka- 
poo towns on the Vermilion. These 
he found deserted and was prepar- 
ing to push into the heart of the 
Indian country, when the militia 
mutinied — from lack of food or 
suspicion of their leader — and he was compelled to return 
to Vincennes, — the expedition a failure and the Indians 
unsubdued. 

Gamelin's Mission to the Wabash Indians. — In 1787 
the Northwest Territory was organized and General Arthur 
St. Clair, a hero of the Revolution, made its governor. After 
some delay, St. Clair reached the Ohio. At first, he sought 
by peaceful means to quiet the Indians. Antoine Gamelin, a 
trader at Vincennes, who knew the Indians well, was sent to 
the Wabash country with a message of peace. In the spring 




Seal of the Northwest 
Territory 



24 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

of 1790, Gamelin set out. He went from tribe to tribe, held 
councils with the chief men, and delivered the offer of peace. 
The older men heard him willingly, but the young warriors 
referred him to the British commander at Detroit. Gamelin 
returned to Vincennes, his mission a failure. 

Expeditions to the Indian Country. — Governor St. Clair 
finally determined to use means which he thought better 
suited to impress the savage .mind. He sent bands of soldiers 
and Indian fighters to strike the Indians and ravage their 
towns. In rapid succession three armies were sent against 
the Miamis: General Josiah Harmar marched to the Maumee 
towns; General Charles Scott to the Weas; and General James 
Wilkinson to the Eel River Miamis. These parties raided 
the Indian country, destroyed the towns, and seized prisoners 
who were held as hostages for the good behavior of the tribes. 

It is doubtful if these expeditions accomplished more than 
to enrage the Indians and make them more determined than 
ever to drive the white settlers beyond the Ohio. 

St. Clair Defeated by the Indians. — Now came one of the 
worst defeats in the history of the West. St. Clair himself 
led toward the Miami a mixed band of militia and regular 
soldiers, — an army poorly organized, poorly equipped, and 
poorly led. Near the head-waters of the Wabash, the Indians 
under Little Turtle surprised St. Clair and nearly destroyed 
his army. 

"St. Clair, with his gray hair streaming under his cocked 
hat," writes his biographer, "had horse after horse shot under 
him as he endeavored to make his men stand steady. Eight 
bullets pierced his garments but not one touched his skin." 

Anthony Wayne Defeats the Indians. — General Anthony 
Wayne was called to the West. For more than a year he drilled 
his men; then he marched boldly into the Indian country, 
building forts Greenville and Recovery, and pursuing the 
Indians far down the Miami. At last he found them in an 



FROM TERRITORY TO COMMONWEALTH 25 



ambush of fallen timber and completely crushed them. The 
battle of Fallen Timbers, in 1794, proved the death-blow of 
the Miami confederacy. 

Treaty of Greenville, 1795. — One by one the Indian 
chieftains visited the camp of Wayne and promised to come 
to a council at Greenville the following summer. Here peace 
was established 
and the Indian 
boundary line fixed 
at last. It came to 
be known as the 
Greenville Treaty 
Line. Its course 
may be readily 
traced on the map. 
It now seemed cer- 
tain that the wars 
were over. The 
whole frontier 
breathed easier. 

Virginia Yields 
Her Claim. — The 
expedition of Clark, in 1778-9, as we have seen, gave Virginia 
the splendid territory northwest of the Ohio River. In 1784, 
finding that other states were opposed to her keeping this 
vast region, Virginia generously ceded it to Congress to be 
held for the common good. She asked only that the settlers be 
protected in their rights, that Clark and his men be secured 
in their land grant, and that in due time new states be carved 
out of the territory and admitted into the Union. As we shall 
see Congress respected her wishes in all of these matters. 

Ordinance of 1787. — It was soon clear that some kind of 
government was needed for the new territory. Action in the 
matter was hastened by the request of a company of New 




Wayne's Campaign and Early Ohio Settlements 



26 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

England men — known as the Ohio Company — headed by 
Manasseh Cutler and Rufus Putnam, to purchase a large tract 
of land in this region. Congress was quite willing to sell the 
lands, for money was needed to pay the debts incurred in the 
Revolution. But the New Englanders would not pay a 
penny until a stable government was provided and slavery 
was forever prohibited. So Congress made haste to pass the 
Northwest Ordinance. 

Importance of the Ordinance. — The Ordinance was im- 
portant to the future of the country for two reasons. First, 
it provided a government, — a governor and three judges to 
rule until the country should have 5000 free male inhabitants, 
when an assembly might be elected to make the laws. Second, 
it guaranteed to the people rights and privileges, — freedom 
in religion, trial by jury, and free republican government. 
The law of primogeniture was abolished. Slavery was forever 
prohibited. 

Senator Hoar, of Massachusetts, has declared that the 
Northwest Ordinance deserves to rank with the Declaration 
of Independence and the Constitution, as "one of the three 
title-deeds of American liberty." 

The New Government in Operation. — Arthur St. Clair, 
as we have seen, was made governor of the Northwest Terri- 
tory. He served until 1800, when the region was divided into 
the Northwest and Indiana Territories. 

Governor St. Clair proved capable and honest, though not 
always popular. On July 9, 1788, amid the salute of cannon, 
he arrived at Marietta, the settlement just founded by the 
Ohio Company, and began at once to organize the new 
government. He set up the County of Washington, comprising 
most of what is now Ohio, in all of which there were but 132 
people. He appointed a sheriff, justices, and a coroner, fol- 
lowing the custom of the counties in Pennsylvania. Soon 
afterward St. Clair County was created and included the 



FROM TERRITORY TO COMMONWEALTH 



27 



Tndtatia Territory 

1 foe 



settlements on the Illinois, and Knox County in the southern 
central part of the Territory. 

Work of the Governor and Judges. — In accordance with 
the Ordinance, the governor and judges adopted laws of the 
older states suited 
to the conditions 
in the territory. 
Sometimes, con- 
trary to the Ordi- 
nance, theypassed 
new laws, but for 
this they were 
severely censured. 
Among the mat- 
ters that arose for 
settlement were 
the land-claim 
disputes at Vin- 
cennes. The set- 
tlers at this place 
— both French 
and American — 
had obtained the 
title to their lands 
from uncertain 
sources, — some 

from Indian purchases, others from grants by military 
authority, still others by Act of Congress. As many of the 
records had disappeared, titles were in confusion. At one 
time the local court of three justices assumed power to grant 
lands. They modestly divided among themselves a tract of 
about 10,000 acres. It was no easy matter to determine 
the title to these lands, but the governor and judges did 
all they could to act justly. 




Indiana Territory in 1800 



28 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

Indiana Territory Formed. — On July 4, 1800, the old 
Northwest Territory was divided. All west of the Green- 
ville Treaty Line from the Ohio River to Fort Recovery, 
thence due northward to Canada, was Indiana Territory. 
That east of this line remained the Northwest Territory. The 
reasons for the division, and the forming of Indiana Territory, 
were, first, the lack of good government in the western portion, 
owing to its great size; and second, in order to prepare the 
eastern part for a state, — Ohio being set apart in 1803. 

Extent and Population. — At first Indiana Territory in- 
cluded the whole region from the eastern line to the Great 

Lakes and the Mississippi, or 
what is at present the states of 
Indiana, Illinois, Michigan,Wis- 
consin, and part of Minnesota. 
In 1805 the Territory of Michi- 
f gan was set off, and in 1809 that 
of Illinois. Thus in nine years 

Indiana Territory was reduced 
The First Capitol at Vincennes , . . 

to the area of the present 

state. So rapid was the growth of the Northwest country in 

population. 

The population, a little more than 6500, white and black, 
was distributed in settlements here and there, — in Clark's 
Grant, at Vincennes, at Kaskaskia, and at Cahokia. A few 
small posts were in the distant north. There remained also 
a numerous Indian population, divided into tribes as at the 
beginning. 

Government of the Territory. — The government provided 
by the Ordinance of 1787 was set into operation. There were 
to be two grades of bodies to make the laws. First, the 
governor and judges were to adopt laws from the older states. 
Second, the governor, a council, and a representative as- 
sembly were in due time to be chosen to make laws which 




FROM TERRITORY TO COMMONWEALTH 



29 



the people desired. The territory passed to the second grade 
in 1804. 

The First Governor. — William Henry Harrison became 
the first governor of Indiana Territory. He came of a fine 
Virginia family and received a good education. His father 
was Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence and a governor of Virginia. As we shall see, William 
Henry Harrison afterward became President of the United 
States, as did also his grandson. Governor Harrison had al- 
ready proved a use- 
ful and capable 
man, — on the staff 
of General Wayne 
at Fallen Timbers, 
as secretary of the 
Northwest Terri- 
tory, and as the 
territorial represen- 
tative in Congress. 

When early in 
1801 Harrison 
reached Vincennes to begin his work, he found the place a vil- 
lage of a few hundred souls, mostly French. In 1806 he com- 
pleted on his estate — which he called " Grouseland " — a fine 
brick mansion. This house still stands, a conspicuous re- 
minder of territorial days. 

Territorial Problems. — As is commonly true in a new 
country, the makers of the commonwealth in this period were 
compelled to face many difficult problems. In solving these 
the governor's ability was often taxed to the utmost. 

First, there was the matter of Indian land cessions. In 
1800, while in Congress, Harrison was successful in having 
the size of the lot of public land, which a settler was expected 
to purchase, reduced to 320 acres. Before that time, one 




The Harrison Mansion at Vincennes 



30 HISTORY OF INDIANA* 

seeking government land must buy either a section or a whole 
township. Not many had the means for so large a purchase. 
But before settlers could buy land of the government, the 
Indian title must be purchased. In 1800, all of the north 
bank of the Ohio River, except Clark's Grant, was Indian 
land. Before the close of 1809, in a series of remarkable Indian 
treaties, Harrison had freed from Indian claim all the lands 
in the territory south of a line passing through what is now 
Indianapolis. 

Next, there was the problem of the defense of the settlers. 
This was provided by means of the militia and by mounted 
rangers. Every able-bodied man between the ages of eighteen 
and forty-five was required to enroll for militia duty, and to 
provide himself with musket, powder, and ball. Then he must 
appear at muster for drill. On muster days there was often 
a social gathering of the neighborhood. The families of the 
men were present, a dinner — often a barbecue — being pre- 
pared. The young folks danced, their elders discussed poli- 
tics or other serious topics. Every two months came the 
company muster; in April and October, the muster of larger 
numbers. When Indians were threatening, mounted rangers, 
in the pay of Congress, scoured the woods and gave warning 
and protection to remote settlers. 

Again, there was the matter of regulating trade with the 
Indians. Governor Harrison knew that crafty traders often 
treated the Indians unfairly. A trader would frequently 
draw an Indian into town, make him dr.unk, then rob him. 
Harrison required the traders to obtain a license to trade, 
and forbade them to sell the Indians whiskey in the towns. 
"I can tell at once on looking at an Indian whether he belongs 
to a neighboring or a more distant tribe," he once said. "The 
latter is generally well-clothed, healthy, and vigorous; the 
former half-naked, filthy, and enfeebled by drink." 

Finally, there was the question of slave-holding in the terri- 



FROM TERRITORY TO COMMONWEALTH 31 

tory. The Ordinance of 1787 prohibited slavery. Many people 
in the country already owned slaves, but the law did not apply 
to them. Others, from the South, wished to come with their 
slaves, but were prevented by the Ordinance. Many petitions 
were sent to Congress asking the repeal of the clause prohibit- 
ing slavery, but these were given no notice by Congress. 
Finally, in 1803, the governor and judges adopted a Virginia 
law which allowed masters owning slaves to make an agree- 
ment with them for life-long slavery. This law was later 
strengthened by the territorial legislature. 

One of these agreements, called an " indenture," follows: 

May 26, 1 81 5. 
To All Whom it May Concern: 

This is to certify that this day I have set free my faith- 
ful servant, Thomas Agnezv, and from this date he shall be 
known as a free man. Given under my hand and seal. 
, v Thomas Truman. 

^ Witness, Joseph Forth. 

This is to Certify that I have this day received my eman- 
cipation papers from my former master. As I don't 
know any other home but the one I have always lived at, 
I do hereby indenture myself to my master, Thomas Tru- 
man, for thirty years from date, he agreeing to feed and 
clothe me during that time. 

May 26, 1 81 5. Thomas Agnew 

His X Mark 

The Indians after Greenville. — For fifteen years after the 
Treaty of Greenville, the Indian tribes lived quietly in their 
country, at peace among themselves and with the white man. 
The older warriors remembered their crushing defeat at Fallen 
Timbers and wanted no more war. But new causes of dis- 
content appeared; white settlers pushed steadily into their 
hunting-grounds, the prices asked for whiskey were high, 
while the prices offered for furs were low. 



32 



HISTORY OF INDIANA 




The Prophet 



Tecumseh and the Prophet. — New leaders arose. Two 
Shawnee brothers became the champions of Indian rights. 
Tecumseh, a war chief and a bold and fearless red man, 
planned to unite the tribes in a confederacy and drive the 

white settlers across the Ohio. His 
brother, known as the Prophet, a 
spiritual leader, had great influence 
among the Indians, and preached 
against the white men. He settled 
on the Wabash near the mouth 
of the Tippecanoe. This became 
known as the Prophet's Town. 
These leaders caused the Indians 
to believe that they all belonged 
to one family and owned the land 
in common. 

The Council at Vincennes. — In 1809 the Indian chiefs 
sold another huge tract for a trifling sum. Tecumseh and 
his prophet brother threatened with death the chiefs who 
had sold the land. Governor Harrison heard of the trouble 
and in the summer of 18 10 summoned Tecumseh to appear at 
Vincennes for a council. The- chieftain obeyed, and with 400 
armed warriors, appeared near Harrison's home at " Grouse- 
land," where the council was held under the trees. In bold, 
clear terms, Tecumseh stated his plans. The land which 
was recently purchased must be given back to the Indians, 
he declared. Governor Harrison answered that the land had 
been bought from the Miamis, who owned it. Instantly, 
Tecumseh sprang to his feet and in loud tones declared this 
was untrue. The Council broke up and both parties pre- 
pared for war, Tecumseh going to the south to arouse the 
Indians in that quarter to a defense of their rights. 

The story is told that, at the Council, Harrison had reserved 
a seat for Tecumseh. The interpreter informed the chief that 



FROM TERRITORY TO COMMONWEALTH 33 

his father — meaning Governor Harrison — wished him to be 
seated. Tecumseh rose proudly to his full height and declared 
that the Sun was his father and the Earth his mother and that 
he would recline on her bosom. Whereupon he sat down on 
the ground. 

The Tippecanoe Battle. — The next year, 181 1, Harrison, 
calling the militia, marched up the Wabash. On a bluff over- 
looking the river above Terre Haute, he built Fort Harrison. 
Cautiously advancing farther into the Indians' country, he 
reached a place within a mile of the Prophet's Town, where 
his army camped on high ground. Suddenly, at daybreak on 
November 7, the Indians attacked the camp on every side 
at once. The Prophet, perched on a rock, urged his followers to 
the fray, but all to no purpose, for the white soldiers rallied 
and drove the Indians to cover. Harrison destroyed the 
Prophet's Town and made his way back to Vincennes. His 
victory was won not without cost. Some of his best captains 
and soldiers fell. 

The War on the Frontier. — The Prophet now urged the 
tribes to war. The War of 181 2 began and the English com- 
manders urged the Indians to the attack. Soon the whole 
frontier was in arms. Fort Dearborn, where Chicago now 
stands, was abandoned and its garrison slaughtered. Fort 
Wayne was besieged, but was relieved by General Harrison. 
Fort Harrison was attacked and partly burned, but was gal- 
lantly defended by General Zachary Taylor. 

Everywhere the Indians fell on the scattered settlements 
and killed and burned without pity. The story of the Massacre 
of Pigeon Roost, a settlement in what is now Scott County, 
is one of the saddest of the time. Two men out bee-hunting 
were killed. Then at sundown the Indians fell on the settle- 
ment and in an hour killed another man, five women, and 
sixteen children. 

William Collings — known by the Indians as Long Knife, 



34 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

because of his deadly skill — successfully defended his home. 
John Collings, his son, had gone for the cows. He saw an 
Indian stealthily creeping through the woods, and fled toward 
the house, pursued by the savage, who was gaining on him. 
He heard the report of his father's rifle and saw his deadly 
foe fall pierced by a ball. 

Such was life on the frontier from 1811 to 18 14. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Did the British have just cause for retaining the western posts after the 
Treaty of 1783? Name and locate these posts in the west. 

2. Locate each of the Indian boundaries agreed upon from 1784 to 1795. 
On an outline map, trace the Greenville Treaty line and locate three forts in 
the vicinity. Map, p. 24. 

3. What different means did Governor St. Clair use to quiet the Indians? 
What were the results in each case? What was the principal cause of the 
Indian outbreak? 

4. Read Gamelin's story of his mission to the Wabash Indians. Tell the 
story to the class. Readings, pp. 69-74. 

5. Read the reports of their expeditions made by Generals Scott and Wil- 
kinson. Trace their routes on the map. Readings, pp. 74-82. 

6. Debate: Resolved, That the Indians were justified in waging war be- 
tween 1785 and 1795. 

7. Find the names of Indian fighters on the map of Indiana; of Revolu- 
tionary heroes. 

8. Of what importance to the settlers was the Ordinance of 1787? What 
"two grades" of territorial government did it provide for? Discuss the 
territorial problems the new government must solve. 

Important Dates: 

1784. Treaty of Fort Stanwix with the Six Nations. Ohio River agreed 
upon as the Indian boundary line. 

1787. Northwest Ordinance passed by the old Congress. 

1795. Treaty of Greenville. New Indian boundary fixed. 

1800. Indiana Territory formed. 

181 1. Battle of Tippecanoe. 



CHAPTER IV 
THE MARCH OF THE PIONEERS 

The Early Settlements. — As we have seen, few settlements 
were made in Indiana before 1800. By 181 2, the tide of settlers 
had set in strongly. At that time they were entering lands 
up the Wabash in the western part of the Territory, the White 
River in the middle, and the Whitewater in the eastern 
portions. Two tiers of southern counties had been formed. 

Most of the early settlers came from the Middle States, by 
way of Pittsburgh and the Ohio River, or across the river 
from Kentucky. Many, wishing to avoid slavery, came from 
the uplands of the Carolinas and Tennessee to the free lands 
of the Northwest. At Mauckport, in Harrison County, in 
1808, was started the first ferry, long used by the emigrants. 
Another crossing was Oatman's Ferry. 

Grassy Valley, in Harrison County, was settled by Squire 
Boone, brother of the famous Daniel, as early as 1802. 
In 181 2, the Scribner brothers, of a well-known New York 
State family, founded New Albany; about the same time John 
Paul entered the townsite of Madison. Between these dates 
many sheltered valleys and wooded knolls as far north as 
Vallonia, in Jackson County, were occupied. 

The presence of game and pure spring water often deter- 
mined the location of a settlement. The knolls and highlands 
were preferred to the river bottoms, owing to the fever and 
ague in the latter places. At this time, each settlement had a 
fort, built of rude logs and palisades, in which the families 
quickly gathered in case of Indian attacks. 



36 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

Settlement of the New Purchase. — In the second period, 
from 1816 to 1825, settlers came in a swelling tide. Their 
spreading over the country has been compared to the waters 
of a flood overflowing the land. They now occupied the upper 
course of the White River, and the Middle Wabash region, — 
the "New Purchase" as the region was called after its pur- 
chase from the Indians in 18 18. At first, taught by the Indian 
War of 181 2, the settlers moved out cautiously from the 
older fortified centers. Thus Vallonia, a noted frontier post, 
saw the founding of Salem, Paoli, Orleans, and Palestine. 
Soon they pushed more boldly up the creeks and valleys. 
Richmond, on the east, was laid out in 181 6; Bloomington, 
to the west, in 1818; Indianapolis, in the center, in 1821. By 
1824, the van of settlement reached Crawfordsville. 

Routes into the wilderness followed the "traces" or blazed 
trails, made by the first comers, who cut a way for the wagons 
and blazed sharply the trees at the roadside. One of the most 
famous of these early wilderness roads was WhetzelPs Trace, 
cut by Jacob Whetzell, in 1818, from the W T hitewater Country 
to the bluffs of White River in Johnson County. Over it 
hundreds of settlers poured in search of homes in the 
woodlands. The old Indian trail which led from the Ohio 
Falls through Salem, Bedford, and Bloomington to Indian- 
apolis, the Whitewater Road, leading from Cincinnati to 
Indianapolis, and the Berry Trace, from Ripley County to the 
Capital, were other much used roads. 

The Lincolns Settle in Indiana. — It was at this time, in 
the very year in which Indiana entered the Union, that 
Abraham Lincoln's father moved his family from Kentucky 
to Indiana. In the fall of 1816 they settled on a farm on 
Pigeon Creek, in the dense forest, which his father had selected 
on a previous trip he had made, about fifteen miles from the 
Ohio, near Gentryville, in Spencer County. Here Lincoln 
spent his youthful days, obtaining such little schooling as 



THE MARCH OF THE PIONEERS 



37 



WZXl 



mi 



m&QLi}* 



Wa WAY YD WA 
YON TO AS SUM 



I IMS* 
I'M IS 



the times afforded, and reading by his father's fireside such 
books as came to his hands. Here his mother died and lies 
buried in a lonely grave, marked by a simple monument erected 
long afterward by the State he had 
adopted. During this time, he 
served ' several months as a ferry- 
man, at Anderson Creek, where it 
joins the Ohio, and made that won- 
derful voyage on a rlatboat down 
the river to New Orleans. In 1830, 
when Lincoln had reached the age 
of twenty-one, the family again 
moved to a newer country, passing 
to Macon County, Illinois, over a 
road which has recently been marked 
as Indiana's Lincoln Road. 

Settlement of the Upper Wabash 
Country. — The third period, from 
1825 to 1840, saw the advance of 
the settlers to the upper streams 
and plains of the Wabash. The 
river itself, the Wilderness Way to Crawfordsville, and finally 
the Michigan Road, were the main routes to the region. 

"Nothing is more common," wrote George Bush, of Indian- 
apolis, in 1826, "than to see fifteen or twenty wagons in a 
single day, each carrying the little belongings of the family 
that trudged along by its side. Indiana is now teeming with 
the hordes of immigration. As many as thirty wagons camp 
together for the night." 

A new stream of settlers poured in from the north. The 
opening of the Erie canal, in 1825, gave a direct way to the 
West from New York and New England. These New England 
counties of the north were occupied, — the three upper tiers 
of the north. 



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Lincoln Memorial Tablet 
at Indianapolis 



38 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

Indiana Becomes a State. — By 1816 there was the neces- 
sary population required by the Ordinance of 1787 to form a 
state government. On petition, Congress granted the people 
permission to frame a constitution. It generously gave them 
section sixteen of the public land in every congressional town- 
ship for the use of public schools, as well as a whole township 
for a seminary of learning. In addition, it gave part of the 
money received from the sale of public lands for use in 
opening roads in the state, and four sections of land as a site 
for a State capital. 

The Constitution of 1816. — A convention for framing a 
constitution was held at Corydon and in eighteen days com- 
pleted its work. Some of its meetings were held beneath the 
old "constitutional elm," which still stands, proudly waving 
its branches over this cradle of Hoosier liberty. The consti- 
tution was accepted by Congress and Indiana became a state 
on December 9, 181 6. 

The constitution divided the powers between the three 
branches of government, making the legislative branch the 
most powerful. The legislature did many things now done 
by elected or appointed officials, such as laying out roads and 
streets, licensing ferries and taverns, granting divorces, and 
impeaching justices. 

Indiana enjoys the honor of being the first State to provide 
in its constitution for a system of public schools, rising in a 
scale from the common schools to the university. 

Changing the Capital. — In 1813 the seat of government 
was changed from Vincennes to Corydon, which was nearer 
the middle of the settled region. By 1820 the population had 
shifted northward, and the General Assembly determined to 
select a permanent and central location for the State capital. 
The high wooded plain at the junction of Fall Creek with 
White River was chosen, and the four sections given by 
Congress were surveyed. Here Alexander Ralston, who had 



THE MARCH OF THE PIONEERS 



39 




assisted in surveying the national capital, laid out the city, 
in 182 1, with broad streets and avenues converging at the 
"Circle." To the new capital the name Indianapolis was 
given. Three years later, Samuel Merrill, the treasurer, in a 
wagon drawn by oxen, brought 
the papers and books of the 
State from Cory don to the 
young capital in the wilder- 
ness. 

Problems of the New State. 
— As in territorial times, prob- 
lems of state pressed for solu- 
tion. 

First, there must be pro- 
vided a suitable local govern- 
ment. The lawmakers devised 
the commissioner plan, not 
unlike the one still in use, to 
control county affairs, levy the taxes, and pay out the people's 
money. Orphans and poor children were bound out as ap- 
prentices. Tramps were sold to the highest bidder and put to 
work, for which they were paid a reasonable sum. 

Then, there must be found some means of education. The 
school lands, donated by Congress, could neither be sold nor 
rented, there being an over-supply of cheap lands. Without 
money to support them, there could be no free public schools. 
By a law of 18 16, twenty families in a township were allowed 
to open a school, for which they were to be taxed. At the same 
time the people of a county might open a seminary — the fore- 
runner of our high schools — to prepare young people in Latin 
and mathematics for the State Seminary. The latter was 
created in 1820, and opened at Bloomington in 1824, the 
beginning of the Indiana University of to-day. The first 
schools were private, opened by teachers and held for a few 



The Capitol at Corydon 



4 o HISTORY OF INDIANA 

months of the year in a rude log building, often the cabin of 
a settler. Cases are on record of the use of a blacksmith shop, 
a mill, a tannery, and the old forts and courthouses for these 
first schools. 

Another important matter was the making of roads. The 
lawmakers saw to it that there were supervisors to lay out 
and open up roads with power to call on all the men in the 
township to build them. Besides the roads of the township, 
State roads were opened with the money received from the 
sale of the land donated by Congress. The State roads were 
one hundred feet wide, but were for a long time little more 
than cleared spaces in the woods. 

Finally, there was the question of dealing with the Indians. 
Except a brief " scare" in 1832, there was no Indian war after 
181 2. The Indians gradually yielded their claim , to the soil 
and were moved to small areas north of the Wabash or to 
wider regions beyond the Mississippi. 

The pioneers' memories of the early Indian wars were keen 
and they both feared and hated the Indians. The scare of 
1832 proved the doom of the Indiana Indians. All that now 
remained in the State, save those who began to live a civilized 
life, were transported beyond the State. In this connection two 
stories will illustrate opposite policies respecting the Indians. 

Mission of Isaac McCoy. — In 18 17 Isaac McCoy, a 
Baptist minister, became a missionary among the Wabash 
Indians. In a log hut in the forest, twenty miles from the 
nearest white settlement, Mr. McCoy and his wife, with their 
seven small children, established a mission school. Here were 
gathered a dozen Indian children, from five to twelve years of 
age, who ate at the same table and slept in the same room with 
the missionary and his family, and were taught and cared 
for by Mrs. McCoy as if they were her own children. Later 
the McCoys moved their mission to Fort Wayne, and when 
the Indians were removed beyond the Mississippi these white 



THE MARCH OF THE PIONEERS 41 

friends went along. By such unselfish devotion a few white 
persons sought to lift the Indians of the Wabash to a higher 
level of living. But, unfortunately, there is another side to 
the picture. 

The Trail of Death. — The Pottawatomies had long lived 
in their lands between Lake Michigan and the Wabash. 
They were quiet enough in times of peace, but when war 
was on they hastened to arm. In the days of Harrison and 
Tecumseh, they were given credit for many massacres and 
warlike attacks. 

In 1836 these Indians sold their lands but were permitted 
to hold them for two years afterward. Squatters soon entered 
their country and seized their best lands, ordering the Indians 
away. The Indians refused to leave and began to arm. The 
militia were called out and marched into the Indian country. 
General John Tipton was ordered to remove the whole tribe 
from the State. 

In September, 1838, the Indians' homes were destroyed 
and their goods loaded into wagons. A mournful procession 
started from Twin Lakes to Logansport. Soon old persons 
and children were dying from exhaustion and lack of proper 
food. In ten days they were out of the State, wending their 
way sadly to the distant Osage in Kansas. The journey is 
said to have cost the lives of one-fifth of the tribe. 

The Lost Sister. — In this connection let us turn to the 
story of Frances Slocum. In 1778, during the course of the 
American Revolution, the British and Indians fell upon the set- 
tlement in the Wyoming Valley in eastern Pennsylvania. 
The home of a Quaker family named Slocum was attacked 
and pillaged while the father and sons were absent. The 
mother and some of the children escaped, but one of the girls, 
named Frances, five years old, was seized and carried away 
into lifelong captivity among the Indians. A long search was 
made for the lost sister by her brothers, who went as far west 



42 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

as Detroit to consult Indian agents and traders, hoping thus 
to find some trace of her. Her mother braved the hardships 
of wilderness travel to attend a council at which captives were 
returned to their families, but Frances was not among them. 

Frances was adopted into an Indian tribe and family. The 
tribesmen showed her great respect, being attracted, it is said, 
by the beauty of her reddish or auburn hair. Nearly sixty 
years after her capture, long after her parents were both dead, 
she was discovered by a fur-trader in an Indian village on the 
Mississinewa River in Indiana. She was then the widow 
of a former chieftain of the Miamis and held a position of im- 
portance, being herself the mother of brave warriors of that 
nation. The story of her discovery was published in an 
eastern newspaper and came thus to the attention of one of 
her brothers. Soon afterward she was visited in the Wabash 
country by two brothers and a sister, who journeyed the long 
way to find out whether she was really their long-lost sister. 
She showed little interest in her visitors, and was so wedded 
to her Indian life that she declined to visit her old home 
with them. She died in 1847 at the age of seventy-four. 

The Pioneer People. — The pioneer stock in Indiana — ■ 
the people who entered the State before 1830 — were the 
great-grandchildren of the English and Scotch-Irish peasantry 
who, a century earlier, had settled in the back country of the 
older colonies, from Pennsylvania to the Carolinas. They 
possessed the sturdy, independent character of their fore- 
fathers, which a century of struggle with the wilderness had 
strengthened. They were a race of keen, energetic, liberty- 
loving backwoodsmen. Independent in spirit, hospitable, 
kindly, and intelligent, they had many of the qualities needed 
for the making of a great people. 

Unfortunately, the true character of the early pioneers 
has been much misunderstood by people in later times both 
inside and outside of the State. They have been confused, 



THE MARCH OF THE PIONEERS 43 

in the minds of many, with the "poor whites," — the semi- 
nomadic, thriftless " descendants of the colonial bond-serv- 
ants." Nothing could be further from the truth. 

"The Indiana husbandman," says Meredith Nicholson, 
"even in the pioneer period, differed little or not at all from 
the settlers in other territorial divisions of the South and 
Southwest; and the early Indiana town folk were the peers 
of any of their fellows of the urban class in the Ohio Valley." 

The Term " Hoosier." — The term "Hoosier" as applied 
to Indiana folk has often borne a suggestion of rudeness and 
illiteracy. The origin of the word is not known with certainty. 
It seems to have gained a state-wide usage about 1830, when 
John Finley, a native poet, published The Hoosier's Nest. 
Many different stories have been told to explain its origin 
and meaning, but none of them is quite satisfactory. Per- 
haps the truth is, as Mr. Dunn has pointed out, that the 
people of Indiana had nothing to do with its origin, and that 
it was first applied by outsiders. But it has been accepted, 
not as a term of reproach, but as a title of honor. 

The Pioneer Homestead. — The homes of the pioneers 
were built of logs and located near a good spring. Three kinds 
of log houses were known. First was the half-face camp. It 
was merely a log pen with three sides, the fourth being open 
and facing the south. With a covering of brush and a floor 
of bare earth, it was a makeshift and used only the first 
season. Abraham Lincoln helped to build a half-face camp, 
in which the family lived for a year, on his father's 
Indiana farm. 

Next came the round log house. Usually a single room, 
built of small round logs, notched into each other at the 
corners, covered with clapboards, it served as a home during 
the first years in the country. At one end, built of sticks out- 
side, stood the " cat-and-clay " chimney for the fireplace, lined 
with clay, which was held in place by the fiber of cat-tails. 




44 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

Later was built the hewed log house, often of two rooms, 
with a loft overhead, where the boys of the family slept. It 
was built of large logs, hewed roughly on two sides, the chinks 
or spaces between the logs being rilled in with short sticks, and 

these plastered over with tough clay. 
Each room had a long low window, 
a large stone fire-place at the end, 
and a puncheon floor made of heavy 
boards split from logs, dressed, and 
pinned to the sleepers. 
The Bed in Home Furnishings ._ The furni- 

ture was rude and primitive. In one corner was the bed, 
made by boring holes in the walls, into which were fitted 
strong poles resting on forked upright pieces fastened to the 
puncheon floor. In the opposite corner was the table, a simi- 
lar pole framework covered with clapboards. Along the op- 
posite end ran the fireplace six to ten feet wide, around which 
the family sat on winter evenings. The picture may be com- 
pleted by quoting a stanza from The Hoosier's Nest. 

"One side was lined with skins of 'varments,' 
The other spread with divers garments, 
Dried pumpkins overhead were strung 
Where venison horns in plenty hung, 
Two rifles placed above the door, 
Three dogs lay stretched upon the floor, 
In short, the domicile was rife, 
With specimens of Hoosier life." 

Clearing the Land. — The cabin built, the land must be 
cleared of the heavy growth of timber. First, the underbrush 
was cut, piled in heaps, and burned, while the larger trees 
were deadened by girdling. Often a season's crop was raised 
and gathered in the " deadening." Next the larger trees were 
felled with an axe and cut into suitable lengths for rolling, or 
"niggered" by burning logs and brush at proper intervals on 
them. Finally, came the log-rolling. This occurred about the 



THE MARCH OF THE PIONEERS 45 

last of April, when all the men of the neighborhood gathered 
with axes and hand-spikes and piled the logs in heaps ready 
for burning. 

A Social Experiment. — About a hundred years ago an 
interesting experiment in community life was tried in the 
new commonwealth. In 1815 George Rapp, leader of a 
colony of German peasants located in Pennsylvania, came 
with his followers to the wilderness of southwestern Indiana. 
Here on the wooded banks of the Wabash he founded a com- 
munity based upon the principles and practices of Christian 
brotherhood. The members numbered nearly a thousand — 
men, women, and children — who held all things in common. 
They were a colony of thrifty and industrious people. 
They cleared and tilled the land, " planted vineyards, manu- 
factured woolen and cotton goods and shoes, and found a 
ready market for ail their products." They called their vil- 
lage Harmony to celebrate the spirit in which they dwelt 
together. 

In 1825 the Rappites sold their lands to Robert Owen, 
a famous manufacturer and social reformer of Scotland, who 
established a new community which he called New Harmony. 
Here Owen came with a " boatload of knowledge," bringing 
eminent men and women, teachers, scientists, and scholars. 
Among these were William Maclure, a noted geologist; 
Thomas Say, "the father of American zoology;" and Dr. 
Gerard Troost. Other famous scholars came later. Not the 
least important of the dwellers at New Harmony were the 
sons of the founder, Robert Dale Owen, a political leader and 
diplomat; David Dale Owen and Richard Owen, both geolo- 
gists of note; and William Owen, editor and writer. 

Schools were established and experiments in education car- 
ried on. The founder encouraged freedom in religion and in 
thought, speech, and action. He taught obedience to the 
laws of the State and nation, and kindness and courtesy to all. 



46 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

But he was not as fortunate in his choice of followers as 
Father Rapp had been, and the experiment failed within three 
years, owing to differences of opinions and views of the people 
who lived together. Thus passed a notable experiment in so- 
cial life, but not without good results in the life of the State. 
" If Robert Owen had done nothing more for the State than 
to bring within its borders his noble family, and the famous 
individuals whom we have mentioned as sojourning at times 
in New Harmony, he would still be the most distinguished 
pioneer of the commonwealth," says Mrs. Levering. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

i. What were the three periods in the settlement of Indiana and what 
were their dates? What regions were settled in each period? 

2. What factors determined the location of a new settlement? When and 
where was your county first settled? What were the names of the first settlers? 
From what State did they come? Try to find why they chose the location of 
their settlement. 

3. Locate the New Purchase. Why was it so named? By what routes 
did settlers reach the New Purchase? Read a settler's account of his 
journey. Readings, pp. 161-166. 

4. Enumerate the principal changes affecting Indiana between 1787 and 
1816: (a) in form of government, {b) in territorial extent. Give the steps in 
making Indiana a State in 18 16. 

5. Name Indiana's three capitals and tell when each became the seat 
of government. 

6. Tell the story of "The Trail of Death." See Dunn, True Indian Stories. 

7. What explanations are offered for the origin of the term "Hoosier"? 
Which is probably the true explanation? See Meredith Nicholson, The 
Hoosier s (Centennial Edition), ch. ii. 

8. Describe each type of log house used by the early settlers. Bring some 
suitable sticks and build a model log house with its furnishings. Find as many 
pictures as you can of such pioneer homesteads. Invite an aged resident of 
the community to visit your class and relate his pioneer experiences. 

Important Dates: 

1813. Capital changed to Corydon. 
1816. Indiana admitted into the Union. 

1824. Capital removed to Indianapolis. 

1825. Robert Owen establishes community of New Harmony. 
1838. Last of the Indian tribes removed from the State. 



CHAPTER V 
MAKING ROADS AND CANALS 

Roads in Early Indiana. — In 1816, there were few roads 
through the forests of southern Indiana. As the settlers pushed 
back from the streams, they cut rude trails to the place of 
settlement. Then, as we have seen, they set about opening 
roads between the settlements or connecting them with the 
towns. All of these were common dirt roads, usually not even 
graded. 

Within ten or a dozen years, the State undertook to open 
ways of travel between distant parts of the country. This 
it did principally in two ways; first, by making State roads, 
and secondly, by opening the streams to navigation. 

The Michigan Road. — In 1826, the Pottawatomie Indians 
gave the State a strip of land wide enough to build a road, 
adding a further gift of one section of land for every mile of 
the road. The proceeds of the sale of these lands were to be 
used in building what came to be known as the Michigan 
Road. This ran across the State, starting at Madison on 
the Ohio River and passing due north to Greensburg, thence 
to the State capital; from there it ran to Logansport, on the 
Wabash, and from that place due north again to South Bend 
and to the lake at Michigan City. It was graded with dirt — 
gravel had not then come into use — and in the soft places 
logs were laid crosswise and covered with sand. It was one 
of the most-used roads in the State. Covered with heavy 
black mud in winter, the other eight months of the year a 
continuous stream of travel passed over it — pioneers on their 
way to their new homes in the northwest part of the State. 



48 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

The National Road. — In your study of the history of the 
United States, you have come across the National Road 
which ran through Richmond, Indianapolis, Terre Haute, 
and the townships lying between. (Bourne and Benton, pp. 
304-305). Broad and well-constructed for its day, it crossed 
the State in a straight line from east to west. It came to be 
the chief highway of travel and communication between In- 
diana and the Atlantic seaboard. 

In 1839 Congress turned over to the State that portion of 
the road lying within its borders. Later the road was graveled 
and is still one of the best in the State. 

Opening the Streams. — Indiana has by nature an excellent 
system of water courses. The Wabash and its tributaries 
radiate to every part of the State except the extreme northern 
and southern ends. Here other rivers and the Great Lakes 
afford means of traffic by water. 

Unfortunately, in the early days, the streams of the State 
were almost impassable. They were often too shallow for 
river-boats, and in places their channels were clogged with 
sandbars or snags. The people set great store by the rivers. 
They hoped for swift and certain communication with the 
outer world by river craft. Wistfully they looked down the 
river for signs of approaching steamers. But usually they 
looked in vain. 

The people set about the task of opening the streams to 
navigation. First, the General Assembly declared the streams 
navigable waterways. This prevented their obstruction with 
mill-dams or bridges. Then, it employed men to clear the 
channels of obstructions. In this way many streams were 
improved and their courses opened to smaller boats. 

Stage-coach and Tavern. — The favorite mode of travel 
in early Indiana days was by stage-coach. The first stage 
line was started in 1820 between Louisville and Vincennes. 
In due time lines were in operation on all the main traveled 



MAKING ROADS AND CANALS 



49 




■"7 - 




roads. The huge coaches drawn by four horses made good 
time. The distance between Indianapolis and Cincinnati 
was covered in twenty-four hours, if the traveler caught the 
river steamer at Madison. 
Travel by stage was often ac- 
companied with hardship and 
discomfort. In dry weather, 
the dust and heat became un- 
bearable; in rainy times, the 
mud was likely to make the 
roads impassable to the lum- 
bering coach. The taverns 
along the highways — usually 
comfortable two-story log 
houses, with a striking sign 
and a blazing fireplace — 
were havens of rest. An 
old tavern sign in West 
Washington Street, Indianapolis, bore this couplet — 

" This gate hangs high and hinders none, 
Refresh and pay then travel on. 

John Fernley." 

Increasing Demand for Canals. — The State was not ten 
years old, when there grew up a strong demand for the build- 
ing of canals. Many of the older states had successfully built 
these waterways. Why should not Indiana do so? In 1825 
the State of New York opened the Erie Canal. Almost at 
once the effect was apparent in the East and the West. 

The Wabash and Erie Canal. — The people of the Upper 
Wabash were clamorous for a canal. Steamboats could not 
go beyond Lafayette, or at best above Logansport. The 
General Assembly appealed to Congress for aid. That body 
responded to the appeal. In 1827 it donated to the State a 



Traveling on the National 

Road 

After an old print. 



5° 



HISTORY OF INDIANA 



strip of land five miles in width for the building of a canal 
connecting Lake Erie and the Wabash River. 

The State soon began the digging of the canal. Ohio was 
persuaded to undertake the construction of that part of the 
canal which lay within her borders. The Indiana portion was 
begun at Fort Wayne and pushed steadily down the Wabash 
Valley as far as Lafayette. On July 4, 1843, it was opened for 
traffic and travel between Lafayette and Toledo. 

Uses of the Canal. — For a time the Wabash and Erie 
Canal was quite useful. All kinds of boats — passenger as 
well as freight — were drawn over its waters. Docks and 
warehouses sprang up along its course. It was a real highway 
to and from Indiana. 

Then came a change. The railway became its rival. Swifter, 
surer, going to parts inaccessible by canals, the railroad soon 
caused its decline. 

The " System" of Canals and Roads. — The demand for 
canals and roads to be built in other parts of the State now 
grew stronger. The people of the Whitewater Valley asked for 
a canal. This was one of the richest and most thickly settled 
parts of the state. The people in Southern Indiana were 
clamoring for a turnpike. Here was a chance for " log-rolling. " 

The Mammoth Bill of 1836. — And this was what followed. 
In 1836, the Mammoth Bill passed the General Assembly 
and gave every part of the state its road or canal. This law 
set apart a fabulous sum — one-sixth of the wealth of the entire 
state — for the projected works. Some of them were as follows: 

1. The Central Canal, from the Wabash to Indianapolis, 
and from there down White River to its forks and on to Evans- 
ville. Its estimated cost was $3,500,000. 

2. The Whitewater Canal, from near Cambridge City 
down the valley to Cincinnati, and a branch to the Central 
Canal. It was to cost $1,400,000. 

3. The Wabash and Erie Canal to be extended to Terre 



MAKING ROADS AND CANALS 



5i 



Haute, thence to the Central. For this extension $1,300,000 
was set apart. 

4. A railroad from Madison, through Columbus and In- 
dianapolis, to Lafayette. Its estimated cost was $1,300,000. 

5. A turnpike from 



New Albany to Vincen- 
nes, to cost $1,150,000. 

The State Becomes 
Bankrupt. — Of course, 
this gigantic project could 
not be carried out by the 
young commonwealth. 
To make matters worse, 
gross frauds were com- 
mitted by dishonest men 
who handled the money 
which the State poured 
into these works. None 
of them was completed, 
many were scarcely 
more than begun, when 
the state found it- 
self unable to go 
on. It was with- 
out funds, without 
money even to pay 
interest — a bank- 
rupt from its am- 
bitious plans and the dishonesty of its public officials. In 
1847 tne State turned over the Wabash and Erie Canal to its 
creditors, paying the interest and a portion of the debt. Thus 
closed an unhappy chapter in the history of the State. 

Growth of Railroads. — This was the era of railroad build- 
ing in Indiana. By 1830 the idea of railroads instead of 




Projected Internal Improvements 



52 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

canals was beginning to take fast hold of the people of the 
State. In 1832 eight railroads were chartered by the legis- 
lature. On July 4, 1834, the first railroad in Indiana — in- 
deed, the first in the old Northwest — was opened for service 
near Shelbyville. You may be sure it was only a small' be- 
ginning. It was a horse-power wooden tramway one and a 
quarter miles long. " One horse drew forty or fifty persons 
at the rate of nineteen miles per hour," reads the report of 
the first trial of the road. 

The first important railroad was begun at Madison in 1836 
and was slowly built toward Indianapolis, which it reached 
in 1847. The success of this railroad greatly stimulated the 
building of others in the State. By 1853 a score of railroads 
traversed the State in all directions. In the ten years between 
1850 and i860 more miles of railroad were built in Indiana 
than during any like period in the history of the State. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. How were the first roads made? What determined their routes? What 
was a "trace"? a "trail"? How were the roads connecting the settlements 
built? How were streams opened to navigation? 

2. Tell the story of (a) the first steamboat on White River, (b) a steamboat 
trip up the Wabash. Readings, 237-242. Are steamboats used on these 
rivers to-day? Why? 

3. Tell about the hardships of travel in early days in Indiana. Describe 
an old-time western tavern. Name some of the early stage lines in the State. 
Readings, 223-227. 

4. Explain how a flatboat was made. For what was it used? Draw a 
sketch of a flatboat on its way "down the river." Readings, 231-234. 

5. On an outline map of the State, trace the "system" of canals and roads 
planned in 1836. Which of these were actually built? What uses were made 
of the Wabash and Erie Canal? For what is it used to-day? Why did canals 
go out of use so early? 

6. Trace the growth of railroads in Indiana before the Civil War. What 
noted occurrences in the history of the State have taken place on July 4? 
Why was this date usually chosen for "openings"? 



CHAPTER VI 
INDIANA IN THE MIDDLE PERIOD 

The Middle Period. — The period from about 1840 to 
1870 may be called the Middle Period in Indiana history. 
It is the time in which the social and political life of the people 
took on definite and lasting form. By 1840 the State was 
rapidly leaving behind the rude conditions of frontier life. 
Its people had planted the seeds of human institutions and 
were now to see them spring into root and herb of settled life. 
The time of rapid settlement was past. The State was oc- 
cupied from border to border. The Indian claims to the land 
were extinguished and the tribes themselves safe beyond the 
Father of Waters. 

Social Life of the Times. — The first severe struggle with 
the wilderness was ended. People in country and town were 
beginning to enjoy the fruits of their earlier hardships and toil. 
To the second generation of Hoosiers life was far pleasanter 
and more comfortable than it was to the first. The children 
of the pioneer stock, now grown to be men and women, found 
themselves, in the forties and fifties, possessors of a rich in- 
heritance won by their fathers from forest and swamp. 

Not that all achievement was ended. Indeed, the best of 
the work was yet to be done, — only the foundation for the 
commonwealth was as yet laid. The State was still in its 
youth. The work of mature years lay all ahead. 

Better homes were now appearing. The rude log house was 
giving way to the frame dwelling or mansion of brick. Here 
and there, in the larger towns, colonial mansions of spacious 
design were built. For these, fine old mahogany furniture 



54 



HISTORY OF INDIANA 






was imported from the East. The dress of men and women 
took on more attractive pattern. Social gatherings were 
marked by elegance and refined manners. 

Political Life. — Politics became more interesting to the 
people. Perhaps they had more leisure for political discussion. 
The newspaper, too, became a political force. The most 

typical instance of political ac- 
tivity is seen in the campaign of 
1840. 

The Harrison Campaign. — 
This was the most exciting and 
picturesque political campaign 
ever waged in the history of the 
State. General William Henry 
Harrison, the favorite hero of 
Indiana folk, was again the Whig 
candidate for the presidency. For 
four years his friends had kept 
him ceaselessly before the people. 
Every means was used to arouse the people's enthusiasm. 
Barbecues, mass meetings, processions were held. Then came 
the great celebration at Battle Ground, the scene of General 
Harrison's victory more than a quarter of a century before. 
Wagons were in line, each bearing a log cabin with a coon 
clinging to the roof and men standing in the doorway dipping 
hard cider from a huge barrel. Other wagons held great 
canoes filled with young ladies dressed in white. Whig leaders 
came to this political festival from every part of the Union. 
It is needless to add that the Whig candidate was elected, 
but he died in office within a month. 

Indiana in the Mexican War. — Another manifestation of 
political sentiment was shown in the war wifh Mexico. Indi- 
ana was settled chiefly by people of southern birth. When 
the crisis with Mexico came, her people fell in line with the 




William Hexry Harrison 



INDIANA IN THE MIDDLE PERIOD 55 

sentiment of the South, which favored the war, as against 
the East, which opposed it. Volunteers were asked for in 
the Hoosier land. Bells were sounded in every village, mass 
meetings held, and enlistment began. Five regiments were 
enrolled and the volunteers taken away to learn their first 
lessons in the art of war, which later served them well in the 
great civil strife. 

The New Constitution. — The first constitution was well 
suited to the conditions of its time. But those conditions 
had changed. Its chief defect was that it gave too much power 
to the legislature. Private and special laws became the chief 
political evil. A convention, in 185 1, framed a new consti- 
tution. Some of the best men of the State were its members,' 
such as Robert Dale Owen, Thomas A. Hendricks, and John 
I. Morrison. The constitution, still in use after more than 
sixty years, was governed by the principles of Andrew Jack- 
son. It sought to bring the government nearer to the people. 
State officers, formerly chosen by the General Assembly, 
were now made elective. 

The Public School System. — About this time Indiana 
saw the beginning of the system of free public schools. The 
census of 1840 showed that Indiana was the sixteenth state 
in the scale of illiteracy, — "below every northern state and 
three southern states." Though provided for in the first con- 
stitution, there had been no free schools; nor was the desire for 
them apparently strong. The way was prepared by a series 
of remarkable addresses. Beginning in 1846, every year 
until 1852 the legislature was addressed at its opening by a 
paper entitled "Read, Circulate, and Discuss" and was signed 
by "One of the People." This person was Caleb Mills, then 
a professor in Wabash College. The author explained the 
causes and the meaning of the prevailing illiteracy. Only one 
child in three attended school. The matter was referred to 
the people. By a majority, they voted for free schools, and 



56 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

in 1852 a law was passed requiring three months of free schools 
in every district of the State. * 

End of the Indenture System. — In the territorial period 
by means of an agreement, or indenture, made with his slaves, 
a master could bring them into the territory to live and con- 
tinue to hold them there (p. 31). The constitution of 181 6 
put an end to this practice by declaring that, thereafter, such 
indentures would have no legal force in the state. It also 
prohibited slavery by adopting the sixth article of the Ordi- 
nance of 1787. 

Slavery Declared Illegal. — In the famous "Polly Case," 
the highest court of the state ruled that slavery was contrary 
to the constitution and that persons held as slaves were free. 
This put an end to slavery in Indiana, so far as laws and 
courts were concerned, although, as a matter of fact, slaves 
were held long afterward. In 1830, thirty- two slaves were 
owned in Vincennes alone. In 1840, the census takers recorded 
three slaves in the State. This is the last official record of 
slaveholding in Indiana. 

Free Negroes in Indiana. — In many parts of the South, 
negroes were often given their freedom. Many of these came 
to the free soil of Indiana to live. Some served as hired 
laborers; others lived on small farms which they tilled. 
Many lived sober, industrious lives and were respected mem- 
bers of the community. A man, known by his neighbors as 
"Uncle Tom," and closely resembling the famous character 
in Mrs. Stowe's book, lived in Indianapolis and was known by 
that author. In 1850, more than eleven thousand free negroes 
were living in Indiana, half of whom were born there. 

Kidnapping Free Negroes. — Often unprincipled men 
profited by kidnapping negroes who were living peaceably and 
sold them back into slavery. This aroused the indignation of 
many people who believed that the whole system of slavery 
was wrong. Societies were formed to prevent the practice of 



INDIANA IN THE MIDDLE PERIOD 57 

kidnapping. Soon these societies were busy helping southern 
slaves to escape to freedom. 

The " Underground " in Indiana. — While some of the 
people of Indiana were neutral or indifferent toward slavery, 
many persons strongly opposed it. After 1850, when Congress 
passed the Fugitive Slave Law, " branches" and "stations" 
of the Underground Railroad became numerous in Indiana. 
The home of Levi Coffin, at Newport, Wayne County, was one 
of the most famous centers. Coffin himself was known as the 
" President of the Underground Railroad." 

" Solitary and in groups," says Mrs. Levering, "the negroes 
came trembling across the Ohio in the dead of night, shoeless 
and ill-clad, to the homes of free negroes or their white de- 
liverers. The women maintained sewing-circles to prepare 
clothing for these fugitives, and the men carried them forward 
in wagons to the next resident who was known as a member 
of the Underground Railway. In the course of a year, thou- 
sands of blacks made this effort to escape and were helped 
along the Indiana routes toward freedom." 

Negroes Given Full Rights. — Although the constitution 
of 185 1 forbade the negro the right of suffrage, or even 
thereafter to settle in the State, yet, after the beginning of 
the Civil War, these provisions became of no effect. They 
were later repealed by amendment to harmonize with the 
fifteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United 
States. The negro now enjoys all the rights of citizens in 
the State. 

Early Indecision in the Civil War. — Indiana's position 
before the war began was peculiar. Very many of her 
people were of Southern birth or descent. Naturally, the 
people of Southern origin felt a keen sympathy with the 
South. They were inclined to accept the Southern view of 
slavery and the rights of the States. After the election of 
Abraham Lincoln, in i860, the people and their leaders were 



58 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

undecided what course to pursue. But this indecision was 
not to last. 

Effect of Sumter's Fall. — On April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter 
was fired upon and soon afterward fell. Instantly, a change 
came over the people. All indecision was gone. The Union 
must be preserved. We shall let a woman who was living de- 
scribe the effect of the news: "No man living within the limits 
of America will ever forget that dispatch. The old earth 
seemed to reel under a blow and no longer to afford a sure 
foothold. Through the long Saturday, business was at a 
stand. That night from the banks of the Ohio to the sand- 
hills of Lake Michigan, from the Quaker towns on the eastern 
border to the prairie farms on the western line, the streets of 
Indiana towns were black with breathless people." A new 
meaning seemed to stream from the flag. Was it to be the 
emblem of a divided country? 

The Call for Volunteers. — On the next day, President 
Lincoln issued a call for 75,000 volunteers. Indiana's share 
was six thousand. Fifteen thousand men answered the call. 
"The clerk dropped his pen, the woodsman his axe, the ma- 
chinist his tools, and, more than all in numbers, the farmers 
left their plows in the furrows and came to their country's 
call." 

Indiana's War Governor. — Governor Oliver P. Morton 
proved to be a "war governor" in very fact. He guided the 
destiny of the commonwealth through the long conflict with 
high courage and great wisdom. From the very beginning, 
his energy knew no bounds. He counseled with President 
Lincoln, offered men, money — anything, in fact — to win 
the war and save the Union. He raised regiments; fur- 
nished them with clothing, arms, and supplies; and rushed 
them to the front. Indiana's splendid showing in the war is 
due in large measure to the foresight and energy of this man. 

On Southern Battlefields. — Space does not admit a full 



INDIANA IN THE MIDDLE PERIOD 



59 



history of Indiana's part in the war. Only the main facts can 
here be noted. Her men fought in every important battle 
from Bull Run to Appomattox. It is said that the first and 
the last man to yield their lives on the battlefield were Indiana 
soldiers. Her dead were left 
in seventeen states and ter- 
ritories. Nearly three- 
fourths of her men capable 
of bearing arms served in 
the armies of the Union. Of 
these, about one in seven 
did not return; many thou- 
sands returned scarred and 
maimed for the remainder 
of their lives. 

Morgan's Raid. — One 
exploit deserves especial 
notice. In 1863, John 
Morgan, a Confederate gen- 
eral, hearing that many 
people in southern Indiana 

were tired of the war and in full sympathy with the South, 
crossed the Ohio, and with about 2500 cavalry passed rapidly 
through the southern portion of the State, hoping, no doubt, 
to receive help from the discontented. Instead, from every 
part of the State came an armed volunteer host to expel the 
bold raider or capture his force. Morgan saw that he had 
made a mistake and tried hard to escape beyond the Ohio, 
but he and his men were captured. Thus ended the only real 
invasion of Indiana soil by a Southern army. 

Woman's Part in the War. — Not all of the effort "and 
achievement may be credited to the men at the battle-front. 
The women who remained at home and labored for the com- 
fort of the soldiers contributed an important part to their 




Statue of Oliver P. Morton 



60 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

success. In 1861 Governor Morton issued an appeal to the 
women of the State, asking for blankets, knit gloves, socks, 
and hospital supplies. The response was so liberal that, before 
the winter was half gone, all needs were supplied. And this 
service was repeated many times. The heroic sacrifice of 
mothers who saw their sons march away to join the army, 
and of gently reared women who went as hospital nurses, 
must be remembered along with the heroism of the men on 
the righting line. 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. What was the Middle Period in Indiana history? What changes took 
place in the social and political life of the times? What was a barbecue? 
Ask your teacher to read to the class the account of the barbecue in Eggleston's 
Roxy, ch. 1. 

2. Tell how the public school system was established in Indiana. Relate 
the story of Caleb Mills and his "Messages." See Thompson, Stories of 
Indiana, pp. 235-238. 

3. How long did slaves continue to be held in Indiana? How was slavery 
finally brought to an end? How did the " indenture " plan seek to get around 
the clause in the Northwest Ordinance forbidding slavery? Locate the main 
lines and stations of the Underground in Indiana. 

4. Tell the story of the rescue of a fugitive slave on Indiana soil. See 
Readings, ch. xxvi. 

5. What part did Governor Morton take in the conduct of the Civil War? 
What part did Indiana soldiers take in the war? 

6. Tell the story of Morgan's Raid. Trace his route across Indiana. 

Important Dates: 

1840. The Harrison and Tyler campaign. 

1851. The second Constitution framed and adopted. 

186 1. The Civil War begins. Governor Morton sends soldiers. 



CHAPTER VII 
THE COMMONWEALTH TRANSFORMED 

Social and Industrial Changes. — Since 1870 a new Indiana 
has risen. The commonwealth has passed from youth to 
maturity. As it draws near the century mark, it shows the 
qualities of full grown life. The institutions which were 
marked out in the previous period have developed by use 
and grown more perfect by service. They have passed the 
age of experiment and trial and now belong to the period of 
settled and secure life. 

In the New Age the population of the State has doubled. 
The growth in wealth, industry, and material comfort has 
been even more marked than the growth in numbers. In this 
time all the important changes which make life in the dawn 
of the twentieth century so rich and full of meaning have come 
to the people of Indiana. Especially noteworthy are those 
inventions which have drawn the people into close relations, 
and made every corner of the State vibrate with common 
impulses. Of these we may mention the telephone, the elec- 
tric trolley, the motor car, and wireless telegraphy. 

"This age of electricity, the growth of our cities, the 
trolley car and the traction lines, the telephone and the 
automobile, — these would have been as startling anticipa- 
tions to the mind and eye of Joseph A. Wright or Robert 
Dale Owen as a single day's railway journey from Chicago 
to Cincinnati to the men of 181 6," writes Professor Wood- 
burn. 'In material wealth, in industry, in comforts and 
modes of living, in travel, in conveniences of life, whether 



62 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

in city or country, in methods of business, in education, 
literature, or art, — in everything that goes to make up 
civilized life, the progress of the last half century has been 
much more remarkable than that of the half century 
before." 

A New Industrial Age. — In the New Age, Indiana has 
been transformed from a purely agricultural State into one 
equally engaged in agriculture and manufacturing. As late 
as 1890 the State was chiefly agricultural. Its wealth was 
found in its farms, its timbered areas, its live stock, and its 
staple crops. In 19 10 products of the factories and mills 
were greater in value than the products of the farms. We 
are fast becoming an industrial people. The census of 19 10 
showed less acreage in farm lands in the State than in 1900. 
Many rural communities actually decreased in population in 
the last decade. 

In 1 9 10, Indiana ranked ninth among the States in the 
Union in the value of its manufactures. Its growth in this 
respect has been due to a number of causes: first, the abun- 
dant natural resources, especially timber, farm products, and 
fuels; second, the development of transportation systems, 
connecting all parts of the State with one another and with 
distant markets; and third, the extension of the use of ma- 
chinery. The results upon the people have been far-reaching. 
Among these are the new problems which have thrust them- 
selves into the foreground, such as the question of child labor, 
of shorter hours for workingmen, the minimum wage, employ- 
ers' liability, and arbitration of labor disputes. In the solution 
of these questions we have made a fair beginning. Much 
remains to be done. 

Politics in The New Age. — Since the close of the Civil 
War, Indiana has played a striking part in the political his- 
tory of the nation. The State has long been what is called a 
pivotal State. That is, its vote in national elections has been 



THE COMMONWEALTH TRANSFORMED 



63 



close, turning now to one party, now to another. For a quarter 
of a century, the electoral vote of Indiana, combined with 
that of New York, New Jersey, and the Southern States, 
would have been decisive in the election of the President. 

In this period Indiana has furnished four Vice-Presidents 
and a President of the United States. Schuyler Colfax was 




The Capitol at Indianapolis 

elected Vice-President in 1868 on the ticket with Grant. 
In 1884, Thomas A. Hendricks was elected Vice-President on 
the Democratic ticket. In 1888, Benjamin Harrison was 
elected President on the Republican ticket. In 1904, Charles 
Warren Fairbanks was elected Vice-President on the Repub- 
lican ticket; and in 191 2, Thomas R. Marshall was elected 
Vice-President on the Democratic ticket. 

Learning and Letters in Indiana. — Though learning was 
slow to bud and blossom in the Hoosier commonwealth, yet 
the native genius early found expression in literary work. 
Says Maurice Thompson, " Massachusetts was within three 
years of two centuries old when Bryant wrote 'Thanatopsis.' 



64 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

Indiana was a little more than eighty years old when James 
Whitcomb Riley wrote 'Old Glory' and scarcely seventy when 
Will H. Thompson gave to the world his ' High Tide at Gettys- 
burg.' We Hoosiers have developed more rapidly than the 
Yankees. Ben Hur came out of Indiana less than a century 
after Clark captured Vincennes in the howling wilderness." 

A collection of western poetical writings, published in i860, 
contained the work of twenty-three poets native to the soil of 
Indiana. A collection entitled Poets and Poetry of Indiana, 
published in 1900, includes the best work of one hundred and 
forty-six Indiana poets. 

Sarah T. Bolton. — One who sang her sweet strains in the 
primeval forests of early days was Sarah T. Bolton. As a 
writer of poetry she was famous in her day and her works 
were widely read. Born in Kentucky, in 1815, when yet a 
child she came with her parents to the beautiful city of 
Madison. Here she received such education as the early 
schools afforded and while still a young girl she began to 
write poetry for the local papers. Her poems attracted the 
attention of Nathaniel Bolton, then the editor of the first 
newspaper founded in Indianapolis. He sought out the 
young poetess and won her for his wife. Together they set 
up a plain and humble home near the new wilderness capital. 

Here, amid toil and privation, she wrote the poems which 
gave her fame. The story is told that while her husband was 
custodian of the State House, the task fell to her to sew the 
carpets of the legislative chambers. While at this task she 
wrote the poem entitled "Paddle Your Own Canoe." That 
she loved the State of her adoption is shown by the poem 
which she named "Indiana." The first stanza is as follows: 

"Though many laud Italia's clime, 
And call Helvetia's land sublime, 
Tell Gallia's praise in prose and rhyme, 
And worship old Hispania; 



THE COMMONWEALTH TRANSFORMED 65 

The winds of Heaven never fanned, 
The circling sunlight never spanned 
The borders of a better land 
Than our own Indiana." 

"The First of the Hoosiers." — But in the period we are 
studying the first prose writer to attract attention beyond the 
borders of the State was Edward Eggleston. He it was who 
first wrote of typical Hoosier scenes and characters. For this 
reason his brother, George Cary Eggleston, also a writer of 
note, has called him "the first of the Hoosiers." In the early 
seventies he began to write his stories of the Hoosiers of south- 
ern Indiana as he had known them "back in the fifties." His 
Hoosier Schoolmaster first brought him fame and has become 
a classic far beyond the borders of the society which it por- 
trays. Later his Roxy and The Circuit Rider further illus- 
trated the aspects of the crude and simple life of early 
Indiana. 

Among the influences which shaped his career was the in- 
comparable scenery along the Ohio with which he was famil- 
iar. With his brother George he would take long walks along 
the river and through the woods. "Nothing could be finer 
than our all-day excursions to the woods in search of hickory- 
nuts, wild grapes, blackberries, pawpaws, or of nothing at all 
but the sheer pleasure of w r andering in one of the noblest 
forests it ever fell to a boy's lot to have for a playground," 
he afterwards wrote. "Then, too, when we had some business 
five or twenty miles away, we scorned to take the steamboat, 
but just set out afoot along the river bank, getting no end of 
pleasure out of the walk, and out of that sense of power which 
unusual fatigue, cheerfully borne, always gives." He knew 
well the society he wrote about, although he was not a part 
of it. 

Lew Wallace and "Ben Hur." — Another writer whose 
works are widely read is General Lew W r allace. Born and 



66 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

reared in Indiana, he has written of times and places remote 
from his own. His first book of importance, The Fair God, 
deals with the ancient Aztec civilization and is a story of 
charm and power. His greatest work is Ben Hur. The author 
spent several years gathering materials for this "Tale of the 
Christ." It is a wonderfully dramatic story of the Roman 
Empire in its best days, and sets out the marvelous influence 
of the Christ upon the times in which he lived. This book 
has been translated into all European languages and even 
into Arabic and Japanese. While United States minister to 
Turkey, General Wallace gathered materials for a new story 
of the East, The Prince of India. Lew Wallace spent most 
of the active years of his life in Crawfordsville, which, because 
of the number of its literary men and women who lived there, 
has been called the " Athens of Indiana." 

Two Gifted Brothers. — Of great value is the work of 
Maurice Thompson and his brother, Will H. Thompson. 
The former was born near Brookville, Indiana, in 1844. 
His father was a Baptist minister and moved several times, 
finally settling in Georgia. Here the younger brother was 
born and both grew to manhood. At the beginning of the 
Civil War both entered the Confederate army and served 
throughout the war. At its close, they settled at Craw- 
fordsville and entered upon the practice of law. Maurice 
Thompson wrote many stories, mostly of Southern life. 
His best known and one of his last books is Alice of Old 
Vincennes, a captivating tale of Indiana history in the 
days of Clark. His poems are noted for their beauty, the 
Poems of Fair Weather being his best. Will H. Thompson 
wrote High Tide at Gettysburg, one of the finest poems in 
the language. 

The Hoosier Poet. — Best beloved of all Indiana writers 
is James Whitcomb Riley. Born in Greenfield in 1853, he 
grew up amidst the country life that he depicts so well. 



THE COMMONWEALTH TRANSFORMED 67 

He became the interpreter of Hoosier character through the 
use of the characteristic dialect of these simple country folk. 
Yet much of Mr. Riley's best work is not in dialect but in 
pure English. He has been called the poet of childhood. 
He has always been a lover of children and is in turn deeply 
loved by them. In October, 1913, he was greeted by thou- 
sands of school children of Indianapolis, who paraded past 
his home in beautiful Lockerbie Street. Mr. Riley has been 
honored beyond the bounds of his native State. In 1902, 
Yale University conferred upon him the degree of Master 
of Arts, and in 1904, the University of Pennsylvania made 
him a Doctor of Letters. 

Other Indiana Writers. — ■ Other writers whose names we 
may barely more than mention are Meredith Nicholson, 
whose book of essays on The Hoosiers is the best interpreta- 
tion of Hoosier life as a whole; Booth Tarkington, who has 
portrayed a new type of Hoosier in A Gentleman from In- 
diana; George Ade, whose inimitable fables are read the 
world over; and Gene Stratton Porter, who has so success- 
fully interpreted the life of bird, flower, and moth of the 
Limberlost Swamp. 

Beginnings of Free Public Schools. — - As we have seen, 
the earlier dreams of free schools in Indiana were not realized 
until after the Constitution of 185 1 went into effect. That 
constitution made provision for a " general and uniform sys- 
tem of common schools, wherein tuition shall be without 
charge and equally open to all." In 1852, a law gave shape to 
the public school system which still exists. This law provided 
for a property tax for the support of schools, and consoli- 
dated all school funds into one under the management of the 
State. It made the civil township the unit for school purposes, 
giving the trustee thereof charge of school affairs in the town- 
ship. It also established the office of State Superintendent 
and a State Board of Education. In 1873, the office of county 



68 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

superintendent of schools was created for general supervision 
of the schools of the county. 

Better Rural Schools. — One of the most hopeful move- 
ments for better schools in Indiana has been that to improve 
the country schools. First, is the move to consolidate the 
schools into a central graded school in every township. This 
movement has made great advance in some parts of the State. 
In 1899 the General Assembly gave township trustees the 
power to transport pupils at public expense from the weaker 
schools to a stronger central school. In 1907, it required 
trustees to discontinue weak schools which had an average 
attendance of twelve pupils or less, and required them to 
transport the pupils of such abandoned schools to a central 
school. As a result, scores of country crossroads schoolhouses 
have been abandoned and the pupils transferred to graded 
schools, affording superior opportunities for instruction in 
music, drawing, and manual and household arts. 

Secondly, there is now provision for instruction in agri- 
culture. It is the purpose to direct the boys and girls to an 
intelligent study of agriculture, which it is hoped will inspire 
in them an honest love for labor and prove to them that 
brains are essential to successful farming. Practical work in 
the consolidated schools of Randolph, Johnson, Henry, and 
other counties awakens interest in the study of soils, seeds, 
injurious insects, and the processes of cultivation. In some 
cases an orchard affords practical lessons in fruit raising; a 
tiny plantation of nut trees an experiment in forestry; and 
the ornamental grounds an example of landscape gardening. 

Vocational Education. — In 1913, a law of far-reaching im- 
portance in the educational history of the State was enacted. 
It provided for the establishment and support by taxation 
of departments or schools for teaching subjects in direct 
preparation for the work which young people are expected 
to do for a living. Instruction in agriculture, domestic 



THE COMMONWEALTH TRANSFORMED 69 

science, manual and household arts is to be given in these 
schools. Part-time and evening schools or classes may be 
conducted for the benefit of the persons above school age 
who are engaged in occupations. The way is now open 
for more practical instruction in preparation for the work 
of life. 

The Indiana Centennial. — Indiana is passing the century 
mark as a member of the sisterhood of states. We have 
followed the story of her growth from an infant common- 
wealth to mature life. Under the direction of a Centennial 
Commission, composed of leading men and women of the 
State, plans are under way to celebrate the event by ap- 
propriate exercises in every county. The plans include the 
publication and preservation of the records of the State's 
history. We may all share in the pride in "this Indiana 
land of ours, not to fight for, except in rarest and direst 
need, but to build for and to perpetuate." 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 

1. Name the three chief periods in the history of the State since 181 6. 
Learn the including dates of each period 

2. In which period did the population of the State increase most rapidly? 
In which was railroad building most marked? What are the reasons in 
each case? 

3. Tell what part Indiana has played in the politics of the nation since 
the Civil War. 

4. Make a list of Indiana authors named in the text. Add other names 
to the list. 

5. Read Meredith Nicholson's characterization of the Hoosier Poet in 
The Hoosiers. Why is Mr. Riley so popular? 

6. Tell how each important invention has broadened the outlook of 
the people of Indiana during the past thirty years. 

7. How has public education responded to the changing needs of the 
time? 

8. What is Indiana's " natal day "? 



Date 
1840 

1845 
1850 
i860 
1870 



APPENDIX 

Growth of Railroads in Indiana 



Mileage 

39 

228 

. 2,163 

• 3,177 



Date Mileage 

1880 4,321 

1890 5,97i 



1900 
1910 
1914 



From Report, Public Service Commission of Indiana, 1916. 



6,47i 
7,420 

8,449 



Growth of Population by Decades 



Population of 



Per cent Increase Per cent Increase 



for Indiana 



Indiana 

1800 4,875 

1810 24,520 334.7. 

1820 147,178 500.2. 

1830 343,o3i i33-o. 

1840 685,866 99-9- 

1850 988,416 44.1. 

i860 1,350,428 36.6 . 

1870 1,680,637 24.5. 

1880 1,978,301 17-7- 

1890 2,192,404 10.8. 

1900 2,516,462 14.8. 

1910 2,700,876 7.3 . . 



for U. S. 



■ 364 

33-i 
■33-5 
32.7 
35-9 
35-6 
22.6 
30.1 

25.5 
.20.7 
.21.0 




INDEX 



Ade, George, 67 
Algonquins, 3 
Alice of Old Vincennes, 66 
Anderson Creek, 37 
apaquois, 6 

barbecue, 30, 54 
Ben Hur, 64, 65 
Berry Trace, 36 
Bloomington, 36 
Bolton, Sarah T., 64 
Boone, Squire, 35 
Bouquet, Col. Henry, 12 
Bush, George, quoted, 37 



Esarey, Dr., quoted, 13 
Experiment, a social, 45-46 

Fairbanks, Charles W., 63 

Fair God, The, 65 

Fallen Timbers, battle of, 25, 29, 31 

Fort Dearborn, 33 

Fort Harrison, 33 

Fort Miami, 12 

Fort Wayne, 12, 33, 40, 49 

French, coming of, 7 ; settlements, 8 

French and Indian War, 12 

Fugitive Slave Law, 57 

Fur-traders, 7 



Cahokia, 8 

Canals, demand for, 49; system of, 50 

Celeron, Bienville de, 11 

Centennial, 68-69 

Circuit Rider, The, 65 

Civil War, 57-60 

Clark, Geo. Rogers, 15-20, 23, 25 

Clark's Grant, 28, 30 

Coal, 3 

Coffin, Levi, 57 

Collings, William, 33 

Constitution of 1816, 38 

Corn Island, 16 

Corydon, 38-39 

Crawfordsville, 36-37 

Croghan, George, 13-14 

Cutler, Manasseh, 26 

Cuyahoga, 23 

Delawares, 4 
Detroit, n, 12, 14, 15 
Dixie Highway, 2 

Education, 38-40, 55, 67-68 
Eggleston, Edward, 65 
English, claim of, 10; traders, 10 
Erie Canal, 37, 49 



Gage, Gen. Thomas, 13 
Gentleman from Indiana, A, 67 
Gibault, Pierre, 17 
Gist, Christopher, 11-13 
Grassy Valley, 35 
"Grouseland," 29, 32 

Hamilton, Col. Henry, 14, 18 

Harmony, 45 

Harrison, Benjamin, 63 

Harrison, Wm. Henry, 29-30, 32-33, 41, 54 

Harrodsburg, 15 

Helm, Capt. Leonard, 18-19 

Hendricks, Thos. A., 55, 63 

Henry, Gov. Patrick, 16 

High Tide at Gettysburg, 63, 66 

Hoar, Senator, quoted, 26 

"Hoosier," 38, 43, 53, 55, 65, 66 

Hoosier Schoolmaster, The, 65 

Hoosier's Nest, The, 43-44 

Eoosiers, The, 67 

Hurons, 4, 7 

Indenture system, 56 

Indian, migrations, 3; homes, 4; tribal 

groups, 4-6; life and customs, 5-6; 

education, 6; land cessions, 29 



72 



INDEX 



Indiana, two centuries ago, i; location 
of, 2; natural resources of, 2-3; 
Territory, 28; becomes a state, 38; 
University of, founded, 39; becomes 
bankrupt, 51; social life in, 53-54; in 
Mexican War, 54-55; in Civil War, 
57-60; in the New Age, 61-62; Cen- 
tennial, 68-69 

Indianapolis, 36, 39 

Industrial Age, 62 

Iroquois, 4, 7, 10, 22 

Jackson, Andrew, 55 
Jesuits, 7 



Negroes, free, 56; kidnapping, 56-57 
New Albany, 35 
New Harmony, 45 
"New Purchase," the, 36 
Nicholson, Meredith, quoted, 43; 67 
Northwest Territory, organized, 23; 
divided, 26, 28; secretary of, 29 

Ohio Company, 26 

Ordinance of 1787, 25-26, 31, 38, 56 

Orleans, 36 

Ouiatanon, 8; destruction of, 12; 14, 23 

Owen, Robert, 45-46 

Owen, Robert Dale, 45, 55 



Kankakee, 7-8 
Kaskaskia, 8, 11, 15-17, 19 
Kekionga, 8 
Kickapoos, 5, 23 

Lafayette, 8 

LaSalle, 7-8 

Levering, Mrs., quoted, 46, 57 

Lincoln, Abraham, 36, 43, 57-58 

Lincoln Road, 2, 37 

Literature, 63 

Little Turtle, 24 

Long Knife, 33 

Maclure, William, 45 

Madison, 35 

Mammoth Bill of 1836, 50 

Marshall, Thos. R., 63 

Mason, George, 17 

Mauckport, 35 

McCoy, Isaac, 40 

Medicine dance, 6 

Mexican War, Indiana in, 54-55 

Miamis, 5, 8, 10, 15, 24, 32 

Michigan Road, the, 47 

Mills, Caleb, 55 

Missionaries, 7 

Morgan, John, 59 

Morrison, John I., 55 

Morton, Gov. Oliver P., 58, 60 

Muskingum River, 4, 12 

National Road, the, 47 
Natural resources, 2-3, 62 



"Paddle Your Own Canoe," 64 

Palestine, 36 

Paoli, 36 

Piankeshaws, 5 

Pigeon Roost, Massacre of, 33 

Pioneers, 42; homes of, 43-44 

Politics, 54, 62 

"Polly Case," the, 56 

Pontiac, 12 

Porter, Gene Stratton, 67 

Pottawatomies, 5-6, 41, 47 

Prince of India, The, 66 

Prophet, the, 4, 32-33 

Prophet's Town, 32-33 

Public school system, 38-40, 55, 67-68 

Putnam, Rufus, 26 

Railway systems, 2; growth of, 51-52, 

62 
Rapp, George, 45 
Richmond, 36 

Riley, James Whitcomb, 64, 66 
Road building, 47 
Ralston, Alexander, 38 
Roxy, 65 

St. Clair, Gen. Arthur, 23-24, 26; County, 

27 
Salem, 36 
Say, Thomas, 45 
School system, 38-40, 55, 67-68, 
Scribner brothers, 35 
Shawnees, 4, 10 
Slavery, 30-31, 34. 56-57 



INDEX 



73 



Slocum, Frances, 41-42 
Social experiment, a, 45-46 
Social life, 53-54 
Soil, productive, 3 
South Bend, 8, 47 
"Squatters," 22, 41 
Stage-coach, travel by, 48-49 
Stanwix, Fort, 22 
"Starved Rock," 8 
Sumter, Fort, 58 

Tarkington, Booth, 67 

Taylor, Gen. Zachary, S3 

Tecumseh, 4, 32-33, 41 

Thompson, Maurice, quoted, 63; 66 

Thompson, Will H., 63, 66 

Tippecanoe, 32; battle of, 33 

Tipton, Gen. John, 41 

Treaty of Alliance, 17 

Treaty of Greenville, 4, 25, 31 

Treaty of Peace, 20, 22 

Treaty of Utrecht, 10 



Troost, Dr. Gerard, 45 
Twightvvees, 5 

"Uncle Tom," 56 
Underground railroad, 57 

Vallonia, 35-36 

Vincennes, 8, 14, 15; capture of, 17-20; 

council at, 32; first stage line, 49; 

slaves in, 56 
Vocational education, 68 

Wabash Indians, 40-41 
Wallace, Lew, 65-66 
Waterways, opening of, 48 
Wayne, Gen. Anthony, 24, 29 
Weas, 5, 24 
Whetzell, Jacob, 36 
Whitewater Road, 36 
Willing, the, 19 

Woodburn, Prof., quoted, 61-62 
Wyandots, 4-5 




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